Inigo Jones

Inigo Jones (July 15, 1573 - June 21, 1652) is regarded as the first significant English architect. He also made valuable contributions to stage design[?].

Little is known about Jones' early years, but towards the end of the 16th century, he became one of the first Englishmen to study architecture in Italy. His work then became particularly influenced by Andrea Palladio.

Jones' best known buildings are the Queen's House at Greenwich (1616, his earliest surviving work) and the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall (1619), which has a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens.

As well as his architectural work, Jones did a great deal of work in the field of stage design[?]. He designed costumes for a number of masques by Ben Jonson, and the two had famous arguments about whether stage design or literature was more important in theatre. Jones is also credited with introducing movable scenery and the proscenium arch[?] to English theatre.

Jones' career ended with the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642. He was an influence on a number of 18th century architects, notably Lord Burlington and William Kent.