WHO WAS INIGO JONES?
Inigo Jones was the first major architect of the English Renaissance. He introduced the Palladian influence of northern Italy into English architecture. The term “Palladian” comes from the name of the great Italian architect Andrea Palladio. The Palladian influence, featuring many columns and arches, can be found in Jones’ most admired building, the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace in London. This handsome structure was completed in 1622. Jones spent the early part of his career designing sets, costumes and stage machinery for elaborate dramatic spectacles called “masques.” The works he created for the court of James I influenced later theatrical designs. Jones was born in London in 1573. He studied in Italy and then served as a “surveyor,” as an architect was called in those days, to King James I from 1615 to 1625 and to Charles I from 1625 to 1642.
