John Vardy facts for kids

John Vardy (born February 1718 – died May 1765) was an English architect. He worked for the Royal Office of Works starting in 1736. He was a big fan and follower of the neo-Palladian style, especially from architect William Kent.

John Vardy grew up in a simple working family in Durham. We don't know much about his early training. His career at the Office of Works was very important to him. This office was in charge of building and maintaining royal buildings. He started there in May 1736. His first job was Clerk of the Works at Greenwich Hospital. He later worked at other famous places. These included Hampton Court Palace (1745-1746). He also worked at Whitehall, the Palace of Westminster, and St James's Palace (1746-1754). From 1754 to 1761, he was at Kensington Palace. He also served as Clerk of the Works at Chelsea Hospital. Plus, he was a Surveyor for the Royal Mint.

Vardy and William Kent's Work

John Vardy worked closely with William Kent. Kent was older and more senior at the Board of Works. Their connection began around 1736 and stayed strong. Vardy helped publish an important book in 1744. It was called Some Designs of Mr. Inigo Jones and Mr. William Kent. This book was key to the Palladian style. Vardy also redrew and engraved Kent's design for the Great Hall at Hampton Court. He also drew Kent's big plans for new Houses of Parliament.

After Kent passed away, Vardy and Thomas Robinson finished Kent's Horse Guards building in Whitehall. Vardy published drawings of the building's plans and outside views.

Buildings for Private People

John Vardy's busy job at the Office of Works limited his time. He didn't have much time for private clients. Most of the buildings he designed in London are no longer standing. This often happens to old city buildings.

His most famous building that still exists is Spencer House in St. James's. Interestingly, the most famous parts of this house are its very early neoclassical interiors. These were designed by James "Athenian" Stuart.

Vardy likely designed Dorchester House in Park Lane, London. This was for Joseph Damer, 1st Earl of Dorchester. Construction started in 1751-1752. Vardy showed designs for its interiors in 1764. Sadly, this house was torn down in 1849.

Vardy's Family

John Vardy's will mentions his brother, Thomas Vardy. Thomas was a carver who worked in Park Street. John also had a son, John Vardy, Jr. His son took over his job as Surveyor to the Royal Mint.

John Vardy, Jr. also worked on a famous building. He remodeled and added to Giacomo Leoni's Queensberry House. He did this for Henry Paget, 1st Earl of Uxbridge between 1785 and 1789. This building is now called Uxbridge House. It still stands today and houses the Royal Bank of Scotland.

John Vardy's niece, Sarah, married a sculptor named Richard Westmacott (the elder).

Images for kids

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  Spencer House, west front

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  Spencer House, west front

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  Spencer House, north front

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  Spencer House, around 1800