The Romance of Architectural Classicism

Join leading classical architect George Saumarez Smith for a discussion of his work, ranging from the thoughtful renovation, repair and extension of historic properties to new houses and major urban master planning schemes (including Poundbury, the experimental urban expansion). Underpinning George’s career is a meticulous attention to detail and a deep engagement with architectural history and classical modes of practice, drawing on classical proportion and a traditional architectural language. George’s oeuvre stakes claim for his belief in the country house model as an answer to the pressing architectural concerns of our age: lasting construction over the temporary, the natural and local over the synthetic, and craft over industrial uniformity. Applied to contemporary homes beyond historic estates, the philosophy of the English country house tradition promises the endurance, practicality, adaptability and sustainability that remains largely absent from contemporary development and urban planning. This talk coincides with the release of George’s new book The Romance of Classicism: Designing the English Country Home for Today (Rizzoli, 2026).

Organised by Dr Kyle Leyden, Lecturer in Early Modern Architecture and Visual Culture and the Courtauld Architecture Society.