Robert Furze Brettingham facts for kids
Robert Furze Brettingham (born 1750, died 1820) was an English architect. He designed many buildings in London and other places. He was the nephew of another famous architect, Matthew Brettingham the Elder.
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About Robert Brettingham
His Early Life and Learning
Robert Brettingham spent some of his younger years studying in Italy. This was a common practice for architects back then, and his uncle had done the same. He returned to England in 1781.
When he came back, his new buildings and drawings showed how much he had learned in Italy. He even displayed his work at the Royal Academy exhibitions. For example, in 1783, he showed a drawing of a special chapel from the Villa Medici in Rome. In 1790, he showed the design for a bridge he had built at Benham Place in Berkshire. He also restored the entrance of a church in Saffron Walden in 1792.
In 1773, Robert helped publish a new version of his uncle's book. This book showed the designs of Holkham Hall, a very grand house. Robert added new details like ceiling designs and fireplaces. He also wrote descriptions of the statues and paintings in the house.
Designing Buildings and Prisons
A big chance came for Brettingham in 1790. Another architect named William Blackburn, who designed prisons, suddenly passed away. Robert Brettingham took over many of Blackburn's unfinished projects. This helped him become very busy and successful.
He designed and built prisons in several towns. These included places like Reading, Hertford, Poole, Downpatrick, and Northampton.
In 1771, Brettingham joined a special group called the Architects' Club. Many important architects of the time were members. They met once a month to have dinner. Famous architects like Sir William Chambers, Robert Adam, and John Soane were also part of this club. Around this time, Brettingham also worked for the Board of Works, a government department. He left this job in 1805.
Famous Buildings and Projects
Robert Brettingham worked on many projects for private families. One interesting building is the "Temple of Concord" at Audley End House.
This building looks like an old Roman ruin. It was built in 1790 for Sir John Griffin. It celebrated King George III getting better after an illness. Brettingham also designed a special tomb, called a mausoleum, in Scotland for the Fraser family.
He also did work on many grand homes. These included Winchester House in St. James's Square, and 9 Berkeley Square. He worked on Lansdowne House and 80 Piccadilly in London. Outside of London, he worked on Charlton in Wiltshire, Waldershare in Kent, and Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk. He also contributed to Longleat in Wiltshire, Roehampton in Surrey, and Hillsborough House in Ireland.
Robert Brettingham was highly respected by other architects. He was also a mentor to many younger architects who later became famous. He passed away in 1820.
