In the world of architecture, few figures embody the spirit of theatricality and exuberance quite like Sir John Vanbrugh. His work, marked by a bold and expressive style, stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and captivate the imagination. This article delves into the life and legacy of Vanbrugh, exploring his unique journey from celebrated dramatist to architectural visionary, and the enduring impact of his work on the built environment.
A Life Shaped by the Theatre
Vanbrugh's story begins with the stage. Before he became an architect, he was a renowned playwright, known for his risqué and provocative works such as 'The Provoked Wife' (1697). His transition from the theatre to architecture was not a straightforward one; it was a pivot fueled by a theatrical business venture at the Queen's Theatre Haymarket. Despite having no formal architectural training, Vanbrugh's natural talent and eye for design led him to not only design the venue but also to become a key figure in the architectural landscape of 18th-century Britain.
The Architect as a Gentleman Amateur
What sets Vanbrugh apart in the architectural world is his status as a gentleman amateur. Unlike his contemporary and collaborator Nicholas Hawksmoor, who is often seen as more cerebral and serious, Vanbrugh's approach to architecture was marked by a sense of play and experimentation. This is particularly evident in his work on Castle Howard, a country house designed for the Earl of Carlisle. The elevations of the house, with their stage-like qualities, reflect Vanbrugh's focus on the exterior and his less-than-traditional approach to interior design.
The Exhibition: A Celebration of Vanbrugh's Work
The current exhibition at Sir John Soane's Museum, 'Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture', offers a fascinating insight into Vanbrugh's life and work. Curated by Charles Saumarez Smith and architect Roz Barr, the exhibition marks 300 years since Vanbrugh's death and celebrates his unique contribution to British architecture. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a series of three horizontal watercolours depicting the façade of Blenheim Palace, showing the building in different lights and underlining the theatricality of Vanbrugh's work.
The Power of Sketching
A detail that I find especially interesting is the exhibition's focus on Vanbrugh's sketching process. Barr's discovery of a sketchbook containing Vanbrugh's drawings, many of which were previously unknown, offers a unique insight into his working methods. These sketches, shown in the second gallery, demonstrate Vanbrugh's restless inventiveness and his ability to experiment with ideas for houses big and small. Many of these sketches are fantasy doodles, but they include designs for his own home in Greenwich, where he tested his ideas.
The Legacy of Vanbrugh's Work
Vanbrugh's legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. His work continues to inspire and influence architects and designers today. The exhibition's coda, a short film by Jim Venturi, Robert Venturi, and Denise Scott Brown, provides a fascinating insight into the enduring appeal of Vanbrugh's architecture. Their appreciation of the wit and playfulness in Vanbrugh's work offers a glimpse into the broader impact of his designs, which have directly influenced the work of modern architects such as Venturi.
A Takeaway for the Future
In conclusion, Vanbrugh's work is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and captivate the imagination. His unique journey from the theatre to architecture, marked by a sense of play and experimentation, continues to inspire and influence designers today. As we reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the importance of embracing creativity and innovation in the built environment, and the enduring value of a life lived with passion and purpose.
