Update: Every once in a while, I plan to revisit old posts to update links and include additional information, as in this instance. My original post about John Nash (1752-1835) was woefully inadequate.
John Nash’s buildings exemplified the neoclassical style of early 19th Century Architecture. His sweeping changes transformed London, from the graceful curve of Regent Street to the majestic terraces and vistas in Regent’s Park, to the clearing of the area which was to become Trafalgar Suare. John Nash’s transformations reflected the Prince Regent’s grand plan for London. J.B. Priestly wrote in The Prince of Pleasure:
Over and over above [the Prince’s] collections and rebuilding of royal houses, there was his grand plan, designed and carried out by John Nash, of demolishing a clutter of little streets and miserable buildings to drive a broad way, as straight as possible, between Carlton House and the newly created Regent’s Park, itself one of the most charming city parks in the world. Some of Nash’s work has gone, notably Regent Street as he left it, but the broad thoroughfares and his delightful terraces are still with us. (The Prince of Pleasure, p 290)
View some of his edifices below:
More About John Nash:
- Biography
- John Nash (includes links to some of his work)
- Gardens designed by John Nash
- View images of his beautiful terraces here
- 3 London Buildings by John Nash: Marble Arch, Theatre Royal, All Souls Church
- Trafalgar Square: Live web cam
View a Powerpoint Presentation here: Modern Architecture: Nash and the Regency