Brought up in Sweden by Scottish parents, trained in France, a visitor to China and India, Sir William Chambers (1726-96) was by far the most internationally minded British architect of his time. Settling in London in 1755, Chambers became a favourite of King George III and went on to hold the highest official architectural offices and to build public and private commissions throughout the British Isles.

Leading scholars of the period present current research on Chambers's Scandinavian and French connections; his Italian studies and projects; his relationship with British royalty; his commissioned buildings, interiors, and gardens; his furniture and metalwork designs; and his Treatise. This richly illustrated book accompanies the Sir William Chambers exhibition opening at the Courtauld Gallery, which now occupies the Fine Rooms at Somerset House, in October 1996.