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  • image SM volume 81/19

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

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