SM Adam volume 14/116

[8] Finished drawing for the grand staircase, c1775, executed with minor alterations

Section of a three-storey circular stairwell, with a domed ceiling containing a conical oculus. On ground storey there is an arched opening with a columned screen flanked by doorways with over-doors formed from oval compartments containing urns in relief. There is a curved bifurcated staircase leading to the first floor, with a niche containing a tripod and lamp at the mid-landing. On first floor there is a doorway surmounted by a fan light ornamented by a band of wreaths enclosing anthemia. This is flanked by further doorways surmounted by over-doors ornamented with trophies. Opposite all this there is a niche containing a panel with a painted scene. This is flanked by niches containing pedestals supporting urns, with further panels depicting trophies above. Above all this there is a band of figurative panels alternating with roundels. On the second storey there are balustraded, colonnaded, tripartite openings flanked by niches containing draped statuary. The domed ceiling is segmented by bands of drop calyx and ornamented with a relief of pilasters alternating with half-patera, surmounted by tripods, urns bearing festoons and anthemia. Above this there is a band of enclosed anthemia and rosettes, and festoons suspending medallions