Date of Birth: 1723
Date of Death: 1796
Nationality: British
Notes: Chambers was born in Goteborg, Sweden, to English parents. He was sent to England for his education and returned to Sweden when he was 16, where he worked for the Swedish East India Company between 1740 and 1749. His work for the company took him to the Far East three times, giving him an unparalleled first-hand knowledge of Asian architecture, a unique qualification among European architects of the day. Chambers made enough money in the Far East to retire at any early age and pursue the practice of architecture. He studied architecture in Paris and Italy, staying in the latter for five years. In 1755 he returned to England, where he began his architecture practice. In 1757 Chambers was appointed architectural tutor to the young Prince of Wales (later George III), which resulted in royal favor for the rest of his life. Chambers's publications included the very influential "Treatise on Civil Architecture" (1759), which became the standard work on the classical tradition, and "Designs of Chinese Buildings, Furniture, Dresses, Machines and Utensils" of 1757. In 1767 he became architect to the Office of Works, followed by appointment as the comptroller of the Works in 1769. Chambers was essential in the formation of the Royal Academy and designed its new home, Somerset House, possibly his most famous work. He was made a knight of the Polar Star by the King of Sweden.