6 pm reception
6:30 pm lecture

William Kent looked to Italy and France for inspiration for the creation of a new style of furniture to complement the formal interiors of the Anglo-Palladian mansions, townhouses, and villas that he designed. In this lecture, Susan Weber will examine Kent’s career as one of the earliest British architects to focus on every element of an interior, from tables and chairs to chimney pieces, doorways, windows, and ceilings. She will explore the various sources that resulted in an original and eclectic approach to furniture which has been described as “a subdued Georgian baroque.”

Susan Weber, founder and director of the Bard Graduate Center, is co-curator of the William Kent exhibition and editor of the accompanying catalogue.