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  • image SM 35/3/15

Reference number

SM 35/3/15

Purpose

[40] Design for curtain hangings and for circular windows

Aspect

Perspective View of the Saloon

Inscribed

John Thomson Esqre

Signed and dated

  • 07/02/1807
    Lincolns Inn Fields / Febry 7 1807

Medium and dimensions

Pen, sepia, pink, blue, burnt umber, yellow and green washes, triple ruled and sepia wash border on laid paper (328 x 484)

Hand

Attributed to Henry Hake Seward (1778 - 1848)
Pupil and assistant May 1794 - September 1808. From the Soane office Day Book.

Watermark

Edmeads & Pine

Notes

The fringed and draped curtains supported by four ornamented vertical poles in front of the large window and the two small circular windows give a dramatic finish to the saloon. It is unusual to have Soane (or his office) making designs for hangings.

Under 'Drapery' P.Lewis and G.Darley( Dictionary of Ornament, 1986, p.111) explain that 'In early 19th century France and England, ... drapery became immensely fasionable in interior decoration, possibly prompted by the developments of machinery to weave fabric of much greater width: ceilings and beds were draped like tents, sofas were crowned with hanging fabric, window curtains were extraordinarily elaborate'.

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