Colen Campbell 1676-1729

Colen or Colin CAMPBELL 1676-1729

Biographical Note

Son of Donald Campbell, laird of Boghole and Urchany, Nairnshire. He may have graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1695 and trained as a lawyer before moving to England and developing a career as an architect. He worked on church designs before being commissioned by Sir Richard Child to build a large house at Wanstead, Essex. His reputation grew, helped by being invited to provide textual content for Vitruvius Britannicus, a collection of engravings of great British houses, published 1715-25. He became a successful architect attracting numerous commissions during the late 1710s and 1720s, and is particular associated with the rise of Palladian style. He was appointed architect to the Prince of Wales and was surveyor of Greenwich Hospital from 1726.

Books

Campbell's will has no mention of books; his estate was largely divided between his wife and other female relatives. His library was auctioned in London, along with the books of John Grant, beginning 8 January 1733. No catalogue survives, but the sale was advertised as including "very choice and useful books ... among which are 800 original drawings of designs in architecture".

Sources

• Will of Colin Campbell, The National Archives PROB 11/632/177.
• Alston, R. C., Inventory of sale catalogues ... 1676-1800, St Philip, 2010.
• Connor, T. P. "Campbell, Colen, of Boghole and Urchany (1676–1729), architect." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.