John Vanbrugh
John Vanbrugh was a soldier and comic playwright before he became an architect, with no training at all. With Hawksmoor as his assistant he created Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, the most dramatic houses of the English Baroque.
John Vanbrugh was born in 1664 in London into a family with Flemish roots and grew up in Chester. He joined the army and in 1688 was arrested in France as a suspected spy. He was imprisoned, including in the Bastille, until 1692. Back in London he became a successful playwright, with comedies such as The Relapse and The Provoked Wife. Without any training in architecture he was commissioned in 1699 to design Castle Howard for the Earl of Carlisle, a friend from theatrical circles.
Castle Howard with its dome was his breakthrough, and he worked closely with Nicholas Hawksmoor, who provided the technical knowledge. In 1705 he was commissioned to build Blenheim Palace for the Duke of Marlborough. The building was dogged by lack of money and conflicts with the duchess, who dismissed him in 1716. He also designed Seaton Delaval Hall and King’s Weston and was one of the heads of the Office of Works. He built himself a small castle in Greenwich, Vanbrugh Castle, with towers and walls recalling a medieval fortress.
Vanbrugh died in 1726. His architecture, with heavy masses, dramatic silhouettes and strong contrasts, was as scenographic as his plays. It was criticised by the Palladians, who preferred calmer forms, but it has been appreciated anew. Vanbrugh was also one of the first to argue for preserving old buildings for their historical and picturesque value, when he wanted to save the medieval Woodstock Manor at Blenheim. Together with Wren and Hawksmoor he is regarded as one of the great names of the English Baroque.