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[84] Site record drawing, 6 October 1810
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Reference number
SM volume 76/11
Purpose
[84] Site record drawing, 6 October 1810
Aspect
View of the new Infirmary at Chelsea Hospital (south front)
Inscribed
as above
Signed and dated
- October 6th. 1810
Hand
Soane office
Notes
The foundations were laid from June 1810, after the Board of Commissioners had (finally) approved the design. Progress views were being made throughout September and October 1810.
This drawing shows parts of the older structure of Yarborough House. Godfrey indicates that the chimney stack of the old building was aligned with the position of the fireplace of the new Infirmary, thus Soane must have relied heavily on the older structure. Indeed, Soane re-used the brickwork of the old house wherever possible (although encasing the old material in new yellow stock brickwork).
Godfrey goes further to suggest that this south wing of Yarborough House may in fact have been the extension constructed under Walpole's ownership and of Vanbrugh's design, given the heavy moulding of the ceiling and the old fashioned marble mantelpiece. (The evidence for Vanbrugh's involvement with this building is built on a letter from that architect to Walpole providing an estimate for work and signed 'your most humble architect' on 27 October 1725). It would seem in keeping with what we know of Soane that he may have particularly wished to keep this part of the building, if it had an established connection with such a renowned architect as Vanbrugh.
This drawing shows parts of the older structure of Yarborough House. Godfrey indicates that the chimney stack of the old building was aligned with the position of the fireplace of the new Infirmary, thus Soane must have relied heavily on the older structure. Indeed, Soane re-used the brickwork of the old house wherever possible (although encasing the old material in new yellow stock brickwork).
Godfrey goes further to suggest that this south wing of Yarborough House may in fact have been the extension constructed under Walpole's ownership and of Vanbrugh's design, given the heavy moulding of the ceiling and the old fashioned marble mantelpiece. (The evidence for Vanbrugh's involvement with this building is built on a letter from that architect to Walpole providing an estimate for work and signed 'your most humble architect' on 27 October 1725). It would seem in keeping with what we know of Soane that he may have particularly wished to keep this part of the building, if it had an established connection with such a renowned architect as Vanbrugh.
Literature
W. Godfrey (ed.), Survey of London: volume 2: Chelsea, part 1, 1909, pp. 3-8
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