This afternoon visit to Chiswick House will include a special 90-minute tour led by curator Dr Emily Burns. One of the most glorious examples of 18th century architecture, Chiswick House in West London was designed and built by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington (1694–1753), and completed in 1729. Burlington was inspired by Roman and Renaissance villas and the drawings of Antonio Palladio, which he saw and collected during his visit to Italy in 1719. Burlington built the villa with enough space to house his art collection and his more select pieces of furniture, some of which had been purchased on his first Grand Tour of Europe in 1714. The house and gardens were created in collaboration with Burlington’s lifelong friend William Kent, who designed furniture especially for Chiswick, such as a set of carved and gilt chairs which he made unusually small to suit the proportions of the villa, with a scallop shell motif carved on the top rail, a motif favoured by Kent, which is also found on the tables in the Gallery. Their inlaid marble tops were purchased by Lord Burlington in Italy. William Kent was also responsible for the painted ceilings at Chiswick.

The garden has recently undergone a major restoration, which has revealed the original vistas and repaired the statues and garden buildings. Participants may wish to explore the gardens and enjoy lunch in the café before the start of the visit.

COST: £25

LIMIT: 18

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 MAY 2026

To express interest, please contact events@furniturehistorysociety.org

An inlaid marble and gilt pine table, about 1725, possibly designed by William Kent © Historic England Photo Library