Enfilade

From Stolpe Publishing:

Clive Aslet and Frank Salmon, eds., Royalty and Architecture: Visions and Ambitions of European Monarchs and Nobility (Stockholm: Bokförlaget Stolpe, 2024), ‎250 pages, ISBN: ‎978-9189425958, £35.

It is well known that, throughout history, royalty have built castles, fortresses, and entire cities. However, less consideration has been given to individual monarchs who pursued an interest in architecture and in some cases acted as architects. Recent research on Gustav III of Sweden (1746–1792) has shown that he was in fact the architect for a number of important building projects. George III of England (1760–1820) also had a great interest in architecture, and his drawings and sketches have been preserved. Louis XIV of France (1638–1715) was greatly involved in shaping the palace and garden at Versailles. And Stanislaw II August’s (1732–1798) interest in architectural work had a major impact on the neoclassical style in Poland. This richly illustrated book provides additional examples and perspectives on the importance of monarchs for architecture and architectural policy. Along with essays by Aslet and Salmon, the volume includes contributions from leading international scholars: Barbara Arciszewska (Warsaw University), Basile Baudez (Princeton University), Julius Bryant (Victoria and Albert Museum), John Goodall (Editor of Country Life), Elisabeth Kieven (Biblioteca Hertziana, Rome), Jarl Kremeier (Berlin), Rebecca Lyons (Royal Academy of Arts), Magnus Olausson (Nationalmuseum, Stockholm), Emily Roy (National Trust), Ian Thompson (University of Newcastle), and Simon Thurley (Chair of the National Heritage Lottery Fund). An essay has also been prepared from the late David Watkin’s 2004 book on King George III as architect.

Clive Aslet is an award-winning writer and journalist who has published over twenty books.
Frank Salmon is Associate Professor of the History of Art at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge, having served as President of the College from 2015 to 2019.