William Talman, architect
William Talman was a noted English architect who lived from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Born in the year 1650 (the exact date of his birth is unknown), Talman was also extremely well versed in landscape design.
He was fortunate enough to have received his earliest instruction from the great architect Sir Christopher Wren and the lessons he learned from the master would undoubtedly inform much of his work throughout the rest of his career.
Perhaps William Talman's greatest claim to fame was the Chatsworth House, which many historians and architectural experts believe to be the first private house in Britain to be designed in the Baroque style.
Talman had quite a reputation, as being somewhat diffident and ill mannered and this trait would put him at odds with the Earl of Carlisle as well as many other prominent people of the time.
It certainly had a great bearing on his being passed over as architect for Castle Howard in favour of John Vanbrugh. This would undoubtedly cause Talman some regret, as the house later became one of the most important Baroque houses in Britain.
Nevertheless, William Talman would go on to work on many country houses in England among them the Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire, Herriard Park (which was in Hampshire) and Kimberley Hall in Norfolk.
William Talman died in 1719.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 30/07/2008
