English Palace

It was Giacomo Quarenghi’s first important commission in Russia, a magnificent rectangular edifice with a Corinthian portico in Palladian style.

Delays were resulting from the delivery of heavy granite blocks to the shallow Peterhof harbour, changes in the design, and shortage of funds due to the war with Turkey.

For the design, he drew inspiration from the composition of Prior Park, near Bath, which was built by John Wood for Ralph Allen in the 1730s and 1740s, and Wanstead House.

[2] Like some of his later designs, the palace is distinguished by a precise layout, simplicity and chastity of composition, and monumentality of forms, which was achieved by creating imposing slightly massive proportions and using colonnades to smooth wall plans.

The main entrance was accentuated by a wide granite staircase leading to the mezzanine and an eight-column portico of the Corinthian order with a triangular pediment.