SM Adam volume 47/6

[18] Unfinished design for the auditorium, c1789, unexecuted

Elevation of an auditorium showing the raked pit, Royal box and surrounding boxes. The boxes are arranged in four tiers. The first tier is ornamented with putti within wreaths of husks and anthemia, the second with enclosed anthemia and arabesques, the third with lunettes enclosing swags and musical instruments, which alternate with tridents flanked by sea creatures, and the fourth with anthemia and cameos set within beaded lozenges. The first tier has Corinthian columns ornamented with acanthus leaves, surmounted by Corinthian columns ornamented with encircling vines in the second tier. There are tapering herm pilasters in the third tier, surmounted by tapering pilasters ornamented with drop calyx in the fourth tier. Above all this there is a frieze of fret, with an apron of shields and festoons. The Royal box is positioned in the first tier and is shown with a bow front. To the left of the boxes there is an entrance surmounted by a niche with statuary and this is flanked by giant Corinthian pilasters, ornamented with arabesques and calyx. To the left of the entrance there are a pair of giant Corinthian fluted columns, with a frieze of fluting and rosettes. Beyond this there is a relieving arch, surmounted by a roundel containing a bust, and a frieze of festoons and instruments