The Importance of Kenwood House

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The history of Kenwood House in Hampstead stretches far back in history; however, the bulk of what is published and considered rests upon the architecture of the Adams brothers, and particularly Robert Adam. It is said that the original house on the property was "probably built by John Bill (1576 - 1630), the King's Printer, soon after 1616. (Summerson, p.5)." Apart from a few scant references to its prior history, the bulk of published material begins with the Adams, having started and completed a remodel of the house in 1766 and 1774, respectively. A few key questions being asked in this examination of Kenwood are: why has this building been extensively written about? And, what are the influencing factors on its importance of inclusion at several points in the historical record? It is my opinion that Kenwood House gains and keeps its stature and relevance in architecture, through its association with a few key noteworthy and influential figures. Without the role of the first Earl of Mansfield, or the first Earl of Iveagh, Kenwood would have never became noteworthy, or would have suffered and decayed at the expense of time. It is an important building today as much for who owned it and lived there, as it is for any one architectural reason. The first Earl of Mansfield, William Murray, acquired the estate in 1754. Ten years following the purchase, he hired then one of the most renowned architects to renovate and remodel the house. Much of the built structure existed prior to Robert and James Adams; however, the library they added became a trademark of "Adam style". Decorating the front façade and adding a classical portico were other more notable interventions to the Villa. Their library throughout time has always r... ... middle of paper ... ... architecture of Robert & James Adam. London, Country Life. 1922. Bryant, Julius. Finest prospects : three historic houses, a study in London topography. # London : English Heritage, Iveah Bequest, Kenwood. 1986. London County Council. Survey of London – Highgate. London, Published by the London County Council. 1900 Summerson, John. The Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood; a short account of its history and architecture. London: English Heritage, Iveah Bequest, Kenwood. 1951. Swarbrick, John. Robert Adam & his brothers : their lives, work & influence on English architecture decoration and furniture. London : B.T. Batsford ; New York : C. Scribner 1915. "Robert and James Adam - Rare Book Collections Highlights -." National Library of Scotland. National Library of Scotland. Web. 02 Mar. 2010. .

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