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[36] Variant design for the south elevation, c. 20 August 1809
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Reference number
SM volume 77/46
Purpose
[36] Variant design for the south elevation, c. 20 August 1809
Aspect
Perspective showing the south and west fronts, with rusticated basement arcade supporting a balustraded balcony
Signed and dated
- datable to c. 20 August 1809
Hand
Soane office
Notes
This drawing shows a three-storey structure, with a rusticated basement. To the west side is a smaller raised building with three arched windows and the cornice surmounted by a pediment, with antifixae at the corners. Round-arched arcading articulates the ground floor of the main building, as round-arched windows do the first and second floors. Scallop-shell antefixae adorn the cornice.
The design is further defined by a central rectangular skyline pedestal inscribed 'Chelsea Hospital Infirmary' which is bracketed by sculpted seated figures (possibly pensioners).
The arcade was presumably similar to that suggested by Soane in his report of 13 April 1810, for the benefit of patients' exercise during bad weather.
Darley refers to Soane's 'early vision of a spreading three-storey, arcaded block with strong rhythmic articulation of the great aqueduct that he and the Bishop had seen near Caserta - facing the unembanked river, flanked by the ornamental canals of Wren's scheme and ventilated by river breezes' which must surely be this design.
SM volume 77/52 shows a cross-section of the Infirmary design taken looking to the east and cut near its southern end, just before the T-shaped wings project. The 'Dead House' and 'Lodge' labelled on SM volume 77/55 can be seen to the sides, in pale grey. The proportions of the windows and their spacing also match this part of the building, as do those of the cornice antifixae. The downward slope of land away to the south indicates the direction of the section. Two balconies or walkways on the south front can be seen from this section, as shown in perspective on SM volume 77/47 and SM volume 77/50 in particular.
The design is further defined by a central rectangular skyline pedestal inscribed 'Chelsea Hospital Infirmary' which is bracketed by sculpted seated figures (possibly pensioners).
The arcade was presumably similar to that suggested by Soane in his report of 13 April 1810, for the benefit of patients' exercise during bad weather.
Darley refers to Soane's 'early vision of a spreading three-storey, arcaded block with strong rhythmic articulation of the great aqueduct that he and the Bishop had seen near Caserta - facing the unembanked river, flanked by the ornamental canals of Wren's scheme and ventilated by river breezes' which must surely be this design.
SM volume 77/52 shows a cross-section of the Infirmary design taken looking to the east and cut near its southern end, just before the T-shaped wings project. The 'Dead House' and 'Lodge' labelled on SM volume 77/55 can be seen to the sides, in pale grey. The proportions of the windows and their spacing also match this part of the building, as do those of the cornice antifixae. The downward slope of land away to the south indicates the direction of the section. Two balconies or walkways on the south front can be seen from this section, as shown in perspective on SM volume 77/47 and SM volume 77/50 in particular.
Literature
Papers, presented to the House of Commons, relating to the Building of a New Infirmary, and the Leasing of Ground at Chelsea Hospital (ordered by the House of Commons) to be Printed, 20th April 1809
G. Darley, John Soane, an accidental romantic, 1999, p.191
G. Darley, John Soane, an accidental romantic, 1999, p.191
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