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Model for the Simeon Monument, Reading, in the form of an obelisk
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Model for the Simeon Monument, Reading, in the form of an obelisk
Mahogany
Height: 68cm
Width: 17cm
Depth: 15cm
Width: 17cm
Depth: 15cm
Museum number: MR39
On display: Model Room (pre-booked tours only)
All spaces are in No. 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields unless identified as in No. 12, Soane's first house.
For tours https://www.soane.org/your-visit
Curatorial note
The Simeon monument still stands in Market Place, Reading, Berkshire. It was commissioned in 1804 by Edward Simeon(c.1753-1812), a wealthy City merchant and a director of the Bank of England from 1792 to 1811. Soane, as well as being known to Simeon through the Bank, was a local boy, born in nearby Goring-on-Thames and educated in Reading.
Model MR39 shows the monument almost exactly as executed. Minor alterations were made: the sets of three decorative flutes on the pedestal were replaced by tall, narrow panels; the pedestal’s square panels were given more elaborate frames; a simpler Greek key fret appeared on the obelisk itself; the spiral flutes to the finial grew denser, and the size of the pineapple ornament altered.
Model MR39 shows the monument almost exactly as executed. Minor alterations were made: the sets of three decorative flutes on the pedestal were replaced by tall, narrow panels; the pedestal’s square panels were given more elaborate frames; a simpler Greek key fret appeared on the obelisk itself; the spiral flutes to the finial grew denser, and the size of the pineapple ornament altered.
Exhibition history
John Soane: Reading's Architectural Hero, Reading Museum, 5 May - 2 September 2007
Associated items
SM 65/3/12, related material
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk