Sir William Chambers
Neoclassical Architect
William Chambers was a Scottish architect from the 18th century. He was born on October 27, 1753 in Gothenburg in Sweden where his father was employed as a merchant. Chambers himself worked for the Swedish East India Company and from thee years between 1740 and 1749, he would make several trips to China, where he had the opportunity to study many fine examples of Chinese architecture and design.
Upon his return to Europe, William Chambers studied architecture in Paris under the tutelage of J.F. Blondel. He spent five tears in the country and in 1755 relocated to England in order to establish his own architectural design firm in London. A glowing recommendation from the 4th Earl of Bute enabled Chambers to secure a position as the architectural tutor to the then Prince of Wales, George who would later be crowned King George III of England. During this period he would come to make the acquaintance and work alongside the Architect of the King's Works, Robert Adam.
Chambers would also work for Dowager Princess of Wales Augusta as well as publish a well-received volume in Chinese designs. This book was published in 1757 and exerted quite a bit of influence on the popular tastes of the time.
Stylistically, Chambers belonged to the neoclassical school of architecture as practiced by Robert Adam.
William Chambers died on February 17th, 1796
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 30/07/2008
