25th June 2015

The architecture of the Orders at Fairfax House 1: the Doric

The Orders of architecture are fundamental to the classical architectural tradition, and John Carr, the architect who rebuilt Fairfax House for Viscount Fairfax in the 1760s, was a master in applying the Orders to the interiors and exteriors of his houses. The Orders are extensively used in Fairfax House, and even when not literally present in pillars and pilasters their proportions determine the spatial characteristics and decorative treatments of the rooms.

In this first post in a series of three we’ll show you the Doric Order, used in the portico of the main entrance to Fairfax House. The simplicity and nobility of the Doric is well-suited to the restrained and elegant classicism of Carr’s entrance front.

In the next post we will show some examples of Carr’s use of the more elaborate Ionic Order at Fairfax House.