Antique print titled 'principal front of kirby hall'. Kirby hall is an elizabethan country house, located near gretton, northamptonshire, england. The nearest main town is corby. One of the great elizabethan houses of england, kirby hall was built for sir humphrey stafford of blatherwick, beginning in 1570. In 1575 the property was purchased by sir christopher hatton of holdenby,[1] lord chancellor to queen elizabeth i. It is a leading and early example of the elizabethan prodigy house. Construction on the building began in 1570, based on the designs in french architectural pattern books and expanded in the classical style over the course of the following decades. The house is now in a semi-ruined state with many parts roof-less although the great hall and state rooms remain intact. The gardens, with their elaborate "cutwork" design, complete with statues and urns, have been recently restored. Anne of denmark stayed at kirby on 9 august 1605 while king james stayed at rockingham castle. King james stayed for three days in august 1616. During a royal progress esmé stewart, 3rd duke of lennox died at kirby of the "spotted ague" on 30 july 1624. The building and gardens are owned by the earl of winchilsea and are managed by english heritage. Kirby hall has been used as a filming location in many productions. These include the following; an episode (6. Protest and communication) of kenneth clark's civilisation, and jane austen's mansfield park and a christmas carol for ealing studios in 1999, and tristram shandy: a cock and bull story in 2005. In 2014 it was the venue for an edition of bbc one's antiques roadshow. Main facade of kirby hall. This print originates from 'vitruvius britannicus' by colen campbell. Artists and engravers: colen campbell's vitruvius britannicus is considered one of the greatest eighteenth-century english architectural works. Campbell published the first three volumes between 1715 and 1725, but the text was continued in two subsequent volumes by woolfe and gandon in 1767 and 1771. The work is comprised of large, finely engraved illustrations, plans, and cross sections of english country houses and parks. Artist: colen campbell's vitruvius britannicus is considered one of the greatest eighteenth-century english architectural works. Campbell published the first three volumes between 1715 and 1725, but the text was continued in two subsequent volumes by woolfe and gandon in 1767 and 1771. The work is comprised of large, finely engraved illustrations, plans, and cross sections of english country houses and parks. Antique prints have long been appreciated for both their aesthetic and investment value. They were the product of engraved, etched or lithographed plates. These plates were handmade out of wood or metal, which required an incredible level of skill, patience and craftsmanship. Whether you have a house with victorian furniture or more contemporary decor an old engraving can enhance your living space. We offer a wide range of authentic antique prints for any budget.