Sir John Vanbrugh was recently spotted clumsily navigating 21st century life in Woodstock, stepping away from architectural excellence for a coffee break just moments away from Blenheim Palace.
Known as ‘The Rockstar of the English Baroque’, the architect was sighted crossing the road at traffic lights, having a coffee at a local cafe, and carrying his weekly shop down the road. Sir John Vanbrugh’s walkabout marks the extension of the current Blueprints of Power exhibition, celebrating the extraordinary life of the architect behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors will now have until 31st May 2026 to explore the interactive exhibition, which brings Vanbrugh’s architectural brilliance to life.
The exhibition spans Vanbrugh’s early life and theatrics as a playwright, all the way to his
high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, First Duchess of Marlborough. Each room in Britain’s Greatest Palace pays homage to Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy as an architect, playwright, soldier, spy, courtier and diplomat.
Admission to the Blueprints of Power exhibition is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.
For more information about the exhibition and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/blueprints-of-power.html