Henry Flitcroft

(Flitcroft b. 1687; d. 1769)

Henry Flitcroft was born in 1687, the son of a labourer employed in royal service at Hampton Court. He trained as a joiner before attracting the earl's attention with his talent for drawing. Lord Burlington employed him as a draftsman and clerk, and in 1726 obtained a post for him in the Office of Works.

Flitcroft designed no major public works during his career, but his private commissions included country houses, town houses, churches, and garden buildings. An able administrator and practitioner, his clients included government officials and the aristocracy.

Flitcroft's early training under Burlington and his acquaintance with the designs of Inigo Jones and Andrea Palladio effected all of his work. Although he occasionally discarded strict Palladian discipline, Flitcroft's designs exhibit the simple forms and detailing characteristic of Burlington's works. Although not an innovator, Flitcroft created sound designs in an existing style.

Henry Flitcroft died in 1769, before King Alfred's Tower was completed.

References
Adolf K Placzek. Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects. Vol. 2. London: The Free Press, 1982. ISBN 0-02-925000-5. NA40.M25. p90.

Close this window