bar scale

labelled Infirmary and some dimensions given

• 18^th Aug^st: 1809

Soane office

SM 67/5/21 shows a very similar elevation to SM 67/5/18. The third bay from the left is surmounted by a pedimented attic with three short arched windows (SM 67/5/18 shows the middle bay of the whole structure surmounted by a similar ornament). This drawing shows a comparable arrangement, with no pedimented attic. Instead the middle portion is surmounted by a balustrade and pedestal (with illegible inscription) and the bays to the left are surmounted by four antefixae. Both show a rusticated basement - presumably providing exercise facilities for pensioners (as Soane noted in his report to the Board of Commissioners on 13 April 1809).

The elevations show what is presumably the 'foul ward' marked on SM 67/5/19. It can be seen on the end, set apart on the left for this drawing and SM 67/5/20 - a single storey structure surmounted by a triangular pediment (with antifixae at the corners). It is connected to the main Infirmary by an arch only, in the belief that this would prevent infection spreading.

It seems likely that this design was intended to be built in the position indicated by the block plans of SM 67/5/19 and SM 67/5/18.

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