The Architect Henry Flitcroft
Henry Flitcroft was an English architect of some renown during the second wave of Palladian architecture. He was born on August 20th, 1697 to a family of fairly modest means, his father having worked at the Hampton Court gardens as a labourer. Flitcroft himself worked as a joiner while still quite young.
Henry Flitcroft's entry into the world of architecture came about somewhat unexpectedly. He had been working at the Burlington House as a carpenter when he accidentally fell from a scaffold and fractured his leg. While he waited for his leg to heal, he often passed the time by drawing. His pencil sketches caught the eye of Lord Burlington who was impressed by the skill that Flitcroft displayed.
Burlington subsequently hired Flitcroft as a draughtsman and architectural assistant beginning in 1720. Among Flitcroft's earliest tasks was the surveying of the Westminster School for Burlington's dormitory as well as being superintendent for the Tottenham House.
This position was a particularly valuable learning experience for Flitcroft, being right in the middle of the circle of people responsible for the propagation of the emerging Palladian style of architecture.
Flitcroft secured a position at the Office of Works in May of 1726, where he quickly worked his way up to become first Master Carpenter and Master Mason until finally becoming Comptroller of the King's Works.
Henry Flitcroft died on February 25th, 1769.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 16/05/2008
