Biography
Born as Giuseppi Bonomi in Rome, he made his early reputation there, then moved to London in 1767 where he was employed as a draughtsman from 1768 until 1781 in the practice of Robert and James Adam before setting up his own business. Excepting one year spent with his friend Angelica Kauffmann in Italy in 1783/4, he remained for the rest of his life in London.
In 1789, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy, and from that time constantly exhibited architectural drawings. Joshua Reynolds, president of the Academy, had wished Bonomi to become a full Academician, regarding him as a fitting occupant of the then vacant chair of perspective. But the majority of the Academicians were opposed to this suggestion, and Bonomi became an associate only, and that merely through the president's deciding vote. This precipitated Reynolds' retirement from the presidency.
In 1804 he was appointed architect of St. Peter's at Rome. He died in London in 1808.
Read more about this topic: Joseph Bonomi The Elder
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