Art and Architecture Collection > The Empire and Regency Styles > ENGLAND – Regency Style

Regency Style Architecture

The architectural patronage of George IV is generally considered his greatest legacy. He employed such leading architects as John Nash, Sir Jeffry Wyatville, and Sir John Soane. The Prince of Wales’s first successful venture was the redecoration of his London palace, Carlton House, started in 1783 by architect Henry Holland. George sponsored significant renovations at Buckingham Palace (formerly Buckingham House) and Windsor Castle during his years as Prince Regent and King.

Bingham, Neil. C.A. Busby: the Regency Architect of Brighton and Hove. London: RIBA Heinz Gallery, 1991. (3-MQZ (Busby) 93-8911)
Busby’s career reveals the aesthetic and practical inclinations of a Regency era architect.

Morley, John. Regency Design, 1790-1840: Gardens, Buildings, Interiors, Furniture. London: Zwemmer, 1993. (MLE 93-9590)
Ranges over the built environment of the period, and explains innovations in interior decoration, spatial planning, and urban design.

Pilcher, Donald. The Regency Style 1800 to 1830. London: B.T. Batsford, 1947. (MQWK)
Examines the style in a broad architectural context, and contrasts new achievements with earlier Neoclassical building.

Pyne, William Henry. The History of the Royal Residences of Windsor Castle, St. James’s Palace, Carlton House, and Frogmore. London: A. Dry, 1819. 3 vol. (MQWK+)
Showcases the Regency Style interiors of these palaces, revealing the prevailing tastes of the Prince Regent and his period.

Reilly, Paul. An Introduction to Regency Architecture. London: Art and Technics, 1948. (MQWK)
Solid academic study of the Regency period’s use of the Neoclassical mode.

Worsley, Giles. Architectural Drawings of the Regency Period, 1790-1837: from the drawings collection of the Royal Institute of British Architects. London: A. Deutsch, 1991. (3-MQG 92-2886)
Practical visual study of building plans and design concepts.