If you like brash bold theatrical architecture, then you’re in luck, as next year will be filled with a celebration of Sir John Vanbrugh’s English Baroque.
Blenheim Palace
Often dubbed ‘The Rockstar of the English Baroque’, Sir John Vanbrugh was not only a leading architect of his age but also one of the great dramatists of the Restoration era.
His architectural style was as audacious and theatrical as his provocative plays and early political activism. Vanbrugh is famous for his use of contrasts of light and shadow, as well as bold recessions and projections, to create buildings of striking drama and visual impact.
Thanks to his considerable social connections, he was able to transition from playwright to self-taught architect and then secure substantial commissions. It’s arguable that he created the image of the classical English mansion house that dominates our expectations of what an aristocratic home is expected to look like.
A year-long festival next year will explore just how the untrained Vanbrugh became the most prominent starchitect of his time.
Not much of his work survives in London, so if you’re thinking of a day trip out of town, the VANBRUGH300 partners for 2026 will be:
London isn’t totally missing out as the Sir John Soane museum will host an exhibition of Vanbrugh’s architectural drawings opening in February 2026.
The events are being led by The Georgian Group, which received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant towards the cost of the festival.