Joseph Gandy
Architectural Theorist
Joseph Gandy was an English artist from the late 18th and early 19th centuries who was best known for his canvas interpretations of the architectural works of Sir John Soane. His career was closely tied in with Soane's and as well as being Sir John's draughtsman, Gandy was a creative partner as well.
The two would work together from 1798 to 1809 until Gandy left Soane to establish his own practice, which unfortunately would not be a very successful venture. In fact Joseph Gandy would produce relatively little work throughout his career. He was quite a taciturn individual with an abrasive personality to match and very few people were willing to work with him.
In spite of his relative lack of commercial success in the architectural industry, Gandy did manage to work on two notable structures: the Phoenix Fire and Pelican Life Insurance Offices in London, which he built in 1804 and completed after one year, and the Doric House at Sion Hill in Bath, which was completed on 1818.
Joseph Gandy's lacklustre track record in architecture was somewhat offset by the widespread acclaim he received for his published work and the ensuing exhibits that followed. Moreover, he would publish two articles in the Magazine of Fine Arts that would be very well received by both critics and the general public.
Joseph Gandy died in Devon in the year 1843.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 24/04/2007
