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[103] Progress drawing, August 1812
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Reference number
SM volume 81/19
Purpose
[103] Progress drawing, August 1812
Aspect
View of lead melting
Signed and dated
- August 12th 1812
Medium and dimensions
Pencil and coloured washes, watercolour technique, shaded within a single-ruled black wash border on laid paper (235 x 350)
Hand
George Basevi or George Allen Underwood (both pupils recorded in the Day Book entry for 12 August 1812)
Watermark
not visible
Notes
This drawing usefully illustrates one aspect of the plumber's trade. Namely, the re-use of old lead by melting so as to provide the material for pipes, flashings, gutters and other leadwork. William Good, who was paid £777.16.3 and Lancelot Burton, who was paid £385.14.3, were employed as the plumbers. It is recorded that on April 18, June 9 and 24, and July 10 Good was 'cramping lead' and on August 18 Burton had a 'carriage home of old lead and cuttings'. The information about the tradesmen is from the building accounts, SM Bill Book G, folios 413-442.
Literature
F. Nevola, Soane's favourite subject: the story of Dulwich Picture Gallery, 2000, pp. 109 & 193
C. Davies, 'Masters of building: the first independent purpose-built picture gallery: Dulwich Picture Gallery', Architect's Journal, April 1984, pp. 55 & 65
C. Davies, 'Masters of building: the first independent purpose-built picture gallery: Dulwich Picture Gallery', Architect's Journal, April 1984, pp. 55 & 65
Level
Drawing
Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation
If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk