11th November 2022
Inigo Jones and The Queen's House
There aren’t many architectural styles named after one person; Andrea Palladio might be the only architect who can make that claim. Inspired by the idea of Greco-Roman prowess, Palladianism is a rare style in Britain; but with symmetry and classical grandeur at its core, you’ll know it when you see it. But Palladio can’t take all the credit - some of Britain’s most famous Palladian architecture was designed not by its namesake, but by Inigo Jones, a man whose life was steeped in theatre and majesty, and whose architecture was no less decadent.
Developed, as so many art forms were, in 16th Century Italy, Palladianism is characterised by the idea of perfect proportion - everything had to be balanced and symmetrical. Uncomplicated exteriors were contrasted with extravagant decor inside the buildings, and embellishments included sculptures, tapestries and extensive, lavish gardens. A grand, central hall was a staple feature of Palladio’s designs, flanked by suites of rooms, and he was also the first to incorporate porticos (large, columned porches) into domestic buildings, a detail usually reserved for churches. Most Palladian buildings weren’t designed by Palladio himself - but his most famous work, “The Four Books of Architecture”, and his many designs of palaces for the aristocrats of northern Italy inspired both his contemporaries and the next generation of European architects.
More of Palladio’s drawings survive today than all other Renaissance architects put together - and this is due to the sticky fingers of British collectors, including Inigo Jones, a young architect looking for a unique style. Jones’s architectural career at this point hadn’t gone very far, but it had led him to an extensive Italian road trip with a copy of Palladio’s famed book. He returned to England with drawings, inspiration, and a love of Italian theatre that would change England’s art world for decades to come.
A masque was a style of theatre that emerged in the 16th and 17th century - they were lavish occasions, and often included singing, dancing and poetry, typically performed by masked actors. Working with playwright Ben Jonson (who once wrote a play so offensive that he was jailed) Inigo Jones designed theatrical sets for elaborate masques, and brought to England some of the first instances of moveable sets and scenery. He also placed curtains in between the audience and the stage, a groundbreaking idea meant to maintain the suspension of disbelief when moving scenery. Different sources of light were introduced - Jones used pieces of coloured glass, screens and oiled paper to create softer and more visually pleasing tones of light. The audiences of England now saw the emergence of a theatre that was even more immersive and spectacular.
The Queen's House (CH-9651) in Greenwich is perhaps Inigo Jones’ most famous work, commissioned in 1616 by James I for his wife, Queen Anne. Red brick was in fashion, so Jones’ choice of white was certainly a statement, perhaps establishing the Queen’s authority. It was finished in 1635 after a brief hiatus, during which Charles I ascended the throne and Henrietta Maria became the new Queen of England.
LH: Inigo Jones by Thomans Pennant, 1781; RH: The Queen's House exterior
It was seen as a highly modern addition to the landscape and the first Classical building in England, employing both Palladio’s style and that of ancient Rome. The central hall is in fact a cube, with the design of squares and circles on the marble floor mirroring the ceiling. Shallow engravings are used instead of sculpture to enhance the soft, grey light within the building, and add to the sense of quiet space.
Interior balcony at The Queen's House
The iconic Tulip Staircase, which spirals through the centre of the building, was the first staircase in Britain to be built without a central support; each stair is cantilevered to the wall and sandwiched in place by the surrounding stairs. This ambitious design allows light to filter through the centre of the staircase from the beautiful glass lantern at the top. The term ‘tulip’ was likely attached to it in error - the wrought iron railings in fact depict lilies, the family emblem of Queen Henrietta.
Tulip Stairs, The Queen's House
Later in the life of the Queen’s House, it was used as an orphanage for the children of British naval officers after falling into disrepair in the 18th century, and new wings were added to the building. When the establishment moved to Suffolk, the Queen’s House was taken over by the National Maritime Museum.
As for Inigo Jones, his career came to a dramatic end in 1642 when civil war broke out in England, and he was captured at the siege of Basing House. All the King’s properties were seized and many destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s army. Jones died in 1652, long before the restoration of the monarchy and the revival of extravagant architecture. Only seven of his buildings survive today, and even the monument to his work was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that Jones’ classical ideas really took off, when Lord Burlington and Colen Campbell devised the Georgian architectural style, becoming a vital piece in the iconography of Britain. You can visit the Queen’s House today and view a selection of beautiful fine art, including the famous Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I.
LH: George Gower's Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I; RH: Gallery space at The Queen's House
Title Image: The Queen's House Exterior, CH-9561