The similarity of drawings 7 to 9 suggest that, although 7 is undated, they were all executed within the same period, c. June 1800. All three designs employ the same general form, seen from the lawn front, of three central bays flanked by vestigial curved wings with a small central roof above the cornice line and a balustraded pediment. However, the three drawings also show a progression in this design, from the simple Classical facade of drawing 7, to a more elaborate form in drawings 8 and 9. Soane adds Ionic columns and statues as well as vases framing the balustraded central pedestal to drawing 7. Drawing 8 similarly includes Ionic columns but here Soane alters the cornice by returning the triglyph pattern and also moves the pedestal to the top of the roof, presumably to screen chimneys. The increase in elaborate effect is surely an attempt on Soane's part to convey to the viewer the function of the house as a means of displaying his collection.

Drawing 10 sits slightly on its own but clearly corresponds to the same design as the previous three drawings, given its date and form. The vestigial wings on a segmental plan are evident as are the columns of the facade.

Group

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