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William Chambers Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1723 - d. 1796

Sir William Chambers RA (23 February 1723 – 10 March 1796) was a Swedish-Scottish architect, based in London. Among his best-known works are Somerset House, and the pagoda at Kew. Chambers was a founder member of the Royal Academy.

William Chambers was born on 23 February 1723 in Gothenburg, Sweden, to a Scottish merchant father.[1][2]

Between 1740 and 1749 he was employed by the Swedish East India Company making three voyages to China[3] where he studied Chinese architecture and decoration.

Returning to Europe, he studied architecture in Paris (with J. F. Blondel) and spent five years in Italy. Then, in 1755, he moved to London, where he established an architectural practice. In 1757, through a recommendation of Lord Bute,[4] he was appointed architectural tutor to the Prince of Wales, later George III, and in 1766 also, along with Robert Adam, Architect to the King, (this being an unofficial title, rather than an actual salaried post with the Office of Works).[5] He worked for Augusta, Dowager Princess of Wales, making fanciful garden buildings at Kew, and in 1757 he published a book of Chinese designs which had a significant influence on contemporary taste. He developed his Chinese interests further with his Dissertation on Oriental Gardening (1772), a fanciful elaboration of contemporary English ideas about the naturalistic style of gardening in China.
The central courtyard of Chambers' Somerset House in London. The pavement fountain was installed in the 1990s.

His more serious and academic Treatise on Civil Architecture published in 1759 proved influential on builders; it went into several editions and was still being republished in 1862.[6] It dealt with the use of the classical orders, and gave suggestions for decorative elements, rather than dealing with construction and planning; for its third edition it was retitled A Treatise on the Decorative Parts of Civil Architecture. It included ideas from the works of many 16th- and 17th-century Italian architects then still little known in Britain.[7] His influence was also transmitted through a host of younger architects trained as pupils in his office, including Thomas Hardwick (1752–1825), who helped him build Somerset House and who wrote his biography.

He was the major rival of Adam in British Neoclassicism. Chambers was more international in outlook (his knighthood being originally a Swedish honour) and was influenced by continental neoclassicism (which he in turn influenced) when designing for British clients. A second visit to Paris in 1774 confirmed the French cast to his sober and conservative refined blend of Neoclassicism and Palladian conventions.

From around 1758 to the mid-1770s, Chambers concentrated on building houses for the nobility, beginning with one for Lord Bessborough at Roehampton.[8] In 1766 Chambers was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. From 1761 he held the unofficial post of Joint Architect to the King,[9] he was then promoted to his first official post in the Office of Works and was from 1769–82 Comptroller of the King's Works, his final promotion put him in charge, from 1782 being Surveyor-General and Comptroller a post he kept until his death.

When a scheme to unite a number of government offices on the site of Somerset House in the Strand was projected, his position did not give him automatic authority over the construction; however when William Robinson, secretary to the board, who had been put in charge of the new building, died in 1775, Chambers became its architect. His initial plans for a great oval courtyard, connected to three smaller, narrow rectangular courts, were soon modified into a simpler rectilinear scheme.[10]

On 10 December 1768 the Royal Academy was founded. Chambers played an important role in the events that led to the Academy's foundation,[11] the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Royal Academy of 14 December 1768 record 'That some time towards the latter end of November 1768, Mr Chambers waited upon the King and informed him that many artists of reputation together with himself are very desirous of establishing a Society that should more effectively promote the Arts of Design'. He was appointed the Academy's first Treasurer.

Chambers died in London in 1796. He is buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.[12] His tombstone is inscribed:[13]

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  • RARE 18TH C . ARCHITECTURAL TREATY FOLIO W/ ENGRAVINGS
    Feb. 21, 2025

    RARE 18TH C . ARCHITECTURAL TREATY FOLIO W/ ENGRAVINGS

    Est: $600 - $800

    RARE 18TH C . ARCHITECTURAL TREATY FOLIO W/ ENGRAVINGS "A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture: With Illustrations, Notes, And An Examination Of Grecian Architecture" by Sir William Chambers (1722-1796), Third Edition Illustrated by fifty original and three additional plates, published by Joseph Smeeton in London, 1791. 137 pages text, 21 1/2" x 14 1/2". Complete but heavily restored, in modern library cloth binding, with carefully repaired and cleaned pages, some mounted on modern pages, but original. All legible, clearly a working copy. Has multiple 19th c. stamps from Bath Architect & Surveyor Frederick Garden, Barton St, Queen Sq., Bath. Chambers was the Prince of Wales' architectural tutor, Architect to the Department of Public Works, Head of Royal Works under George III. This folio is a standard of Architecture History.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • Chambers (Sir William) Design for decoration and furniture of the hall at The Hyde, Ingatestone, Essex, pen and ink, [c. 1760]
    Nov. 26, 2024

    Chambers (Sir William) Design for decoration and furniture of the hall at The Hyde, Ingatestone, Essex, pen and ink, [c. 1760]

    Est: £2,000 - £3,000

    Chambers (Sir William, 1723-1796) Design for decoration and furniture of the hall at The Hyde, Ingatestone, Essex, pen and greyish-black ink, grey wash, annotated in pencil and brown ink, with additional elements added in pencil, on laid paper with partial watermark of Strasbourg lily, sheet 273 x 380 mm (10 3/4 x 14 7/8 in), slightly rough edges, minor nicks to extremities, some browning and surface dirt, unframed, [circa 1760]; together with Chamber's bookplate, and a portrait of Chambers in soft-ground etching by a young William Daniell after George Dance, 1793, framed (3) Provenance:    Collection of John and Eileen Harris Literature: Harris, John, Sir William Chambers: Architect to George III, 1996, pp. 135-136, illus. fig. 191 cf. Harris, John, Sir William Chambers: Knight of the Polar Star, 1970 Exhibited: Sir William Chambers: architect to George III, 1996-7, Courtauld Gallery, London and National Museum, Stockholm, no. 151 *** Fine drawing showing the 'elevation of an end of the hall', with colour notes and materials intended to be used, such as 'portland stone' and 'Dead White'. Additional pencil sketches have been added in over the pen and ink, suggesting further elements to embellish the original design. Chambers started work on the great hall at The Hyde in 1761, where he fashioned out 5 rooms that partially housed the collection of antiquities collected by Thomas-Brand Hollis, now held in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.  Sir William Chambers RA was a Swedish-Scottish architect, based in London. Among his best-known works are Somerset House, and the pagoda at Kew. Chambers was a founder member of the Royal Academy. Said to have been the major rival of Adam in British Neoclassicism. Chambers was more international in outlook (his knighthood being originally a Swedish honour) and was influenced by continental when designing for British clients. A second visit to Paris in 1774 confirmed the French cast to his sober and conservative refined blend of Neoclassicism and Palladian conventions.

    Forum Auctions - UK
  • WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) D’APRES La Pagode Chinoise de Kew Gardens Gravure par T. Miller.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) D’APRES La Pagode Chinoise de Kew Gardens Gravure par T. Miller.

    Est: €150 - €200

    WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) D’APRES La Pagode Chinoise de Kew Gardens Gravure par T. Miller. Haut. 45 cm - Larg. 30 cm (à  vue) On y joint une vue de Anhing d’après Jacob Van Meurs (1619/20-1680) et une élévation de palais chinois. Sir William Chambers a publié pour la première fois cette conception de la pagode en 1763 dans ses plans, élévations, sections et vues en perspective des jardins et des bà¢timents de Kew à  Surry. Le bà¢timent lui-même a été construit entre l’automne 1761 et le printemps 1762.

    Osenat
  • William Chambers, Back Yard with Flag Pole
    May. 22, 2022

    William Chambers, Back Yard with Flag Pole

    Est: $300 - $500

    William Chambers, "Back Yard with Flag Pole", oil on board, signed L/L "Bill Champs", 20" x 24", framed 24" x 28". Provenance: West Palm Beach, Florida estate.

    Kaminski Auctions
  • Sir William Chambers (British, 1723-1796), four classical architectural art prints of Chambers original drawings, 26" x 22" inclusive of frame
    Jul. 01, 2020

    Sir William Chambers (British, 1723-1796), four classical architectural art prints of Chambers original drawings, 26" x 22" inclusive of frame

    Est: £40 - £80

    Sir William Chambers (British, 1723-1796), four classical architectural art prints of Chambers original drawings, 26" x 22" inclusive of frame

    Crow's Auction Gallery Ltd
  • William CHAMBERS 1723-1796 Desseins des édifices, meubles, habits, machines et ustenciles des Chinois.Designs of Chinese buildings,...
    May. 31, 2016

    William CHAMBERS 1723-1796 Desseins des édifices, meubles, habits, machines et ustenciles des Chinois.Designs of Chinese buildings,...

    Est: €1,500 - €2,000

    William CHAMBERS 1723-1796 Desseins des édifices, meubles, habits, machines et ustenciles des Chinois.Designs of Chinese buildings, furniture, dresses, machines and utensils Londres, l'auteur, 1757. 2 parties en 1 vol. grand in-folio (556 x 366 mm), veau marbré, triple filet doré en encadrement sur les plats, dos à nerfs orné de motifs dorés, roulette intérieure dorées, tranches dorées (reliure de l'époque). Édition originale publiée à Londres simultanément en anglais et en français. Cet ouvrage, considéré généralement comme la première étude occidentale solide sur l'architecture chinoise, comprend une description des édifices sacrés et profanes des Chinois, de leur mobilier, des objets de leur vie quotidienne, de leurs habits et de leurs jardins, illustrée d'une suite de 21 planches gravées en taille-douce d'après les dessins exécutés "?à la Chine?" par l'auteur lui-même. William Chambers avait voyagé en Asie lorsqu'il travaillait pour la Compagnie suédoise des Indes orientales. Établi comme architecte à Londres en 1755, il publia ses observations et dessins en faveur de quelques riches amateurs de chinoiserie parmi lesquels la princesse douairière de Galles pour laquelle il imagina notamment la célèbre pagode des jardins de Kew. Notre exemplaire comprend les deux versions, celle en français étant reliée en tête (la version française est identique à la version anglaise à l'exception de la liste des souscripteurs qui n'est pas traduite). Quelques rousseurs et taches. Reliure défraîchie avec manques de peau. Mors fendus. Provenance : "A. de Grateloup " (signature au verso de la première garde)

    Artcurial
  • William Chambers Gotemburgo 1723 - Londres 1726 Architectural Designs
    May. 26, 2016

    William Chambers Gotemburgo 1723 - Londres 1726 Architectural Designs

    Est: €350 -

    William Chambers Gotemburgo 1723 - Londres 1726 Architectural Designs Twelve engravings 41x28 cm y 28x41 cm William Chambers Gotemburgo 1723 - Londres 1726 Diseños arquitectónicos Doce grabados 41x28 cm y 28x41 cm

    Balclis
  • Edward Rooker (British, 1712-1774) after William Chambers (British, 1723-1796) A pair of architectural studies; Design of the Triump...
    Mar. 10, 2016

    Edward Rooker (British, 1712-1774) after William Chambers (British, 1723-1796) A pair of architectural studies; Design of the Triump...

    Est: £100 - £200

    Edward Rooker (British, 1712-1774) after William Chambers (British, 1723-1796) A pair of architectural studies; Design of the Triumphal Arch at Wilton, inscribed to the Earl of Pembroke; and another study of an archway inscribed to Thomas Brand of The Hoo, in the County of Hertford in Tollemache frame with shaped corners h:50 w:38 cm

    Cheffins
  • WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) TRAITÉ DES ÉDIFICES, MEUBLES, HABITS, MACHINES ET USTENSILES DES CHINOIS, GRAVÉS SUR LES ORIGINAUX DESS...
    Jun. 08, 2015

    WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) TRAITÉ DES ÉDIFICES, MEUBLES, HABITS, MACHINES ET USTENSILES DES CHINOIS, GRAVÉS SUR LES ORIGINAUX DESS...

    Est: €500 - €700

    WILLIAM CHAMBERS (1723-1796) TRAITÉ DES ÉDIFICES, MEUBLES, HABITS, MACHINES ET USTENSILES DES CHINOIS, GRAVÉS SUR LES ORIGINAUX DESSINÉS À LA CHINE, PARIS: LE ROUGE In-quarto à cartonnage marbré et illustré de gravures. (Cartonnage et dos défraîchis et abîmés, rousseurs). France, époque Louis XVI, 1776. WILLIAM CHAMBERS, TRAITÉ DES ÉDIFICES, MEUBLES, HABITS, MACHINES ET USTENSILES DES CHINOIS, GRAVÉS SUR LES ORIGINAUX DESSINÉS À LA CHINE, PARIS, 1776. DIM. 26,5 X 22cm (10 7/16 X 8 11/16 IN.)

    Tajan
  • Four prints depicting the architectural designs of
    Dec. 07, 2013

    Four prints depicting the architectural designs of

    Est: £50 - £80

    Four prints depicting the architectural designs of William Chambers (1723-1796), three 30 by 42cm and one 46 by 34cm. (4)

    Batemans Auctioneers & Valuers
  • Sir William Chambers (English, 1726-1796),
    Apr. 21, 2012

    Sir William Chambers (English, 1726-1796),

    Est: $1,800 - $2,500

    Sir William Chambers (English, 1726-1796), Desseins des Edifices, Meubles, Habits, Machines, et Ustenciles des Chinois, 1757, printed by J. Haberlorn, to be sold by the author and Millar & Nourse, London, folio (20 1/2 in. x 14 1/4 in.), original boards, restored spine and corners, title and 19 pgs. of text in French, with 21 engravings, some colored, of Chinese houses, furniture, utensils, porcelain, boats, dress, etc. Provenance: First pastedown with ex-libris from Conde de Sucena, the last pastedown with an old Portuguese auction label for the library of Silva Amado. Note : Chambers was one of the most highly regarded architects of his time. Between 1757 and 1762 he erected several neo-Roman temples and a number of Turkish and Chinese-inspired buildings at Kew, including the now-celebrated pagoda."

    Neal Auction Company
  • After Sir Joshua Reynolds
    Jun. 21, 2011

    After Sir Joshua Reynolds

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    After Sir Joshua Reynolds Portrait of Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) oil on canvas 24¾ x 20 in. (62.9 x 50.8 cm.)

    Christie's
  • After Sir Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.
    Dec. 11, 2009

    After Sir Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A.

    Est: £1,500 - £2,000

    After Sir Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A. Portrait of Sir William Chambers R.A. (1723-1796) seated, half-length, in a red coat, a pen in his right hand oil on canvas 30¼ x 22 in. (76.8 x 55.9 cm.)

    Christie's
  • Elevation for the east front, thought to be for Enville Hall, Staffordshire
    Jun. 04, 2008

    Elevation for the east front, thought to be for Enville Hall, Staffordshire

    Est: £2,000 - £3,000

    Sir William Chambers (British, 1723-1796) Elevation for the east front, thought to be for Enville Hall, Staffordshire inscribed 'Elevation of the East Front' (lower centre) pen and black ink and grey wash 9¾ x 12¾ in. (29.8 x 32.4 cm.)

    Christie's
  • CHAMBERS, Sir William (1726-1796). Desseins des Edifices, Meubles, Habits, Machines, et
    Nov. 15, 2006

    CHAMBERS, Sir William (1726-1796). Desseins des Edifices, Meubles, Habits, Machines, et

    Est: £1,500 - £2,000

    CHAMBERS, Sir William (1726-1796). Desseins des Edifices, Meubles, Habits, Machines, et Ustenciles des Chinois... auxquels est ajoutée une Description de leurs Temples, de leurs Maisons, de leurs Jardins. London: J. Haberkorn, for the Author, A. Millar and J. Nourse, 1757. 2° (530 x 360mm). French title and text. 21 engraved plates by P. Fourdrinier (13), C. Grignon (3), P. Sandby (1) and others. (Scattered spotting, occasional light soiling.) 18th-century blue paper boards (neatly rebacked to style with white paper and letterpress label, light wear). FIRST EDITION, issue with the French text. An influential work by one of the most highly regarded architects of his time, in which Chambers considers the union of art and nature in Chinese design, and examines the power of imitation, surprise, and imagination upon the senses. Between 1757 and 1762 Chambers erected several neo-Roman temples and a number of Turkish- and Chinese-inspired buildings at Kew, including the now-celebrated pagoda. The plates include elevations and plans of houses and decorative structures, interiors showing the correct placement of furniture and ornament, costumes and other chinoiserie. Fowler 85; cf. Harris 113; cf. Colas 592.

    Christie's
  • Office of Sir William Chambers (1723-1746)
    Nov. 18, 2004

    Office of Sir William Chambers (1723-1746)

    Est: £1,500 - £2,000

    Design for a hall stove brown and black ink and grey and brown wash, unframed 13 3/4 x 10 1/2 in. (35 x 26.8 cm.)

    Christie's
  • Sir William Chambers (1723-1796)
    Nov. 18, 2004

    Sir William Chambers (1723-1796)

    Est: £5,000 - £7,000

    Design for a chimney-piece signed and dated 'W Chambers 1761.' (lower right) and numbered 'No 9' (upper right) and inscribed 'the wood carving of this the tablet being enriched and 4 members 10:12 Alken' (on the reverse) pencil, grey ink with grey and pink wash 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (26.8 x 21.8 cm.)

    Christie's
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