William Henry Pyne (1769-1843)
Ante Chamber, Carlton House
From: The History of Royal Residences, 1819
Hand-colored aquatint engraving
11"x13"
In the early nineteenth century English interior decorative taste was heavily
influenced by revival architecture and design motifs from previous
centuries past. This trend of appropriating old world motifs and crafting
pastiche furnishings borrowed from ancient Greece and renaissance Italy.
Neoclassicism better known as England's Regency Era (1783-1837) was influenced by King George IV. Order
and symmetry were two key factors in Regency aesthetic achievement, as
showcased in W.H Pyne's publication The History of Royal Residencies, 1819. William Henry Pyne (1769-1843) was a British painter, illustrator, cartoonist and writer. He was the son of textile workers, a leather seller and a weaver, but Pyne had aspirations of pursuing classic artistic endeavors. Pyne trained at the academy of Henry Pars in London and first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1790.
Pyne's grand undertaking, The History of Royal Residences of Windsor Castle, St. James Palace, Carleton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House and Frogmore...featured 100 commissioned hand painted aquatints of Royal interior and exterior architectural and interior design. These spectacular interior and architectural views displayed the detailed and extravagant decor of Royal peoples from iconic English palaces and landmarks.
W. H. Pyne
Presence Chamber, Kensington Palace
From: The History of Royal Residences, 1819
Hand-colored aquatint engraving
11"x13"
Though the publication slowly gained popularity and interest, the cost of self publishing such a extensive and artistically sophisticated book placed Pyne in financial ruin for the latter part of his life.However, Pyne's work continues to be historically significant for documenting architectural history; such as Windsor Castle before architect Jeffrey Wyatville’s extensive alterations were made in 1824. As well as featuring St. James’s Palace, and Carlton House; interiors created for the Prince Regent by Holland with Wyatt and Nash as architects. The History of Royal Residencies... also showcases Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House and Frogmore as remodeled by architect James Wyatt.
W. H. Pyne
Queen’s Audience Chamber, Windsor Castle
From: The History of Royal Residences, 1819
Hand-colored aquatint engraving
11"x13"
W. H. Pyne
King’s Writing Closet, Hampton Court
From: The History of Royal Residences, 1819
Hand-colored aquatint engraving
11"x13"
Pieces from this extravagant series of detailed Royal English households are available for purchase at Arader Galleries, 432 Jackson Street, San Francisco. Please call 415-788-5115 with any questions.
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