Farnsworth Classical English Style: The Architectural Legacy of Ward Farnsworth

Ward Farnsworth (1874-1962) was one of the most prominent American architects of the early 20th century. He is best known for his work in the Classical English style, which he helped to popularize in the United States.

Farnsworth was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After graduating, he worked for several architectural firms in Boston before establishing his own practice in 1904. Farnsworth's early work was in the Colonial Revival style, but he soon developed a preference for the Classical English style.

Farnsworth's Classical English Style

by Ward Farnsworth

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Farnsworth's Classical English style houses were characterized by their symmetry, proportion, and attention to detail. He often used brick and stone as the primary building materials, and he frequently incorporated classical elements such as columns, pediments, and cornices into his designs.

Farnsworth's work was highly influential in the United States, and he helped to shape the development of American architecture in the early 20th century. His houses were popular among wealthy clients, and they continue to be admired today for their beauty and craftsmanship.

The Elements of Farnsworth's Classical English Style

Farnsworth's Classical English style houses typically incorporated the following elements:

• Symmetry: Farnsworth's houses were often symmetrical, with a central axis that divided the house into two equal halves.
• Proportion: Farnsworth's houses were carefully proportioned, with each element of the design in harmony with the others.
• Classical elements: Farnsworth frequently incorporated classical elements into his designs, such as columns, pediments, and cornices.
• Brick and stone: Farnsworth often used brick and stone as the primary building materials for his houses.

Examples of Farnsworth's Classical English Style Work

Some of Farnsworth's most notable works in the Classical English style include:

• The House of the Four Winds, Boston, Massachusetts (1911): This house is one of Farnsworth's most famous works, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of the Classical English style in the United States.
• The Larz Anderson House, Washington, D.C. (1911): This house was designed for Larz Anderson, a diplomat and collector of art. It is one of the largest and most elaborate Classical English style houses in the United States.
• The Clarence Mackay House, Roslyn, New York (1913): This house was designed for Clarence Mackay, a prominent financier and collector of art. It is a large and imposing Classical English style mansion with over 100 rooms.
• The Benwood House, Newport, Rhode Island (1916): This house was designed for Mrs. George Vanderbilt, the widow of William Vanderbilt. It is a large and elegant Classical English style mansion with over 60 rooms.
• The Henry Clay Frick House, New York City (1920): This house was designed for Henry Clay Frick, a prominent industrialist and collector of art. It is a large and opulent Classical English style mansion with over 60 rooms.

Farnsworth's Legacy

Farnsworth's work had a profound influence on American architecture in the early 20th century. His houses were popular among wealthy clients, and they helped to shape the development of American architecture in the early 20th century.

Farnsworth's houses are still admired today for their beauty and craftsmanship. They are a testament to his skill as an architect and his dedication to the Classical English style.

Image Credits

The following images are used in this article:

• The House of the Four Winds, Boston, Massachusetts (public domain)
• The Larz Anderson House, Washington, D.C. (public domain)
• The Clarence Mackay House, Roslyn, New York (public domain)
• The Benwood House, Newport, Rhode Island (public domain)
• The Henry Clay Frick House, New York City (public domain)

Farnsworth's Classical English Style

by Ward Farnsworth

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2200 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	194 pages

FREE