William Halfpenny

Plate 55, "The Elevation of a Chinese Gazebo", from Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste, 1755, in which the word "gazebo" is first recorded in English
The Coopers' Hall, Bristol, one of the largest and most certain attributions to Halfpenny
The recreated Chinese Bridge at Croome Court, to Halfpenny's design
Black Castle, Bristol, perhaps by Halfpenny

William Halfpenny (active 1723–1755) was an English architect and builder in the first half of the 18th century, and prolific author of builder's pattern books. In some of his publications he described himself as "architect and carpenter", and his books concentrate on the practical information a builder would need, as well as addressing "gentleman draughtsmen" designing their own houses. They were a popular alternative to the very expensive architectural treatises by British authors such as Colen Campbell and James Gibbs, or foreigners such as Serlio or Palladio (Halfpenny published a short work "correcting" some of the latter's mistakes).[1]

He also used the alias of Michael Hoare, particularly while in Ireland.[2][3]

  1. ^ Reiff, Daniel D., Houses from Books: Treatises, Pattern Books, and Catalogs in American Architecture, 1738-1950: A History and Guide, 2010, Penn State Press, ISBN 0271044195, 9780271044194, google books
  2. ^ Colvin, Howard (2008) [1954]. A Biographical Dictionary of English Architects 1660–1840 (4th ed.). New Haven and London: Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-12508-5.
  3. ^ "Dictionary of Irish Architects". www.dia.ie. Retrieved 4 October 2024.