SM Adam volume 47/3

[10] Finished drawing for the Opera House, showing a longitudinal section from south to north, c1789, unexecuted

Longitudinal south/north section of the opera house. At the south end there is a Tuscan portico with an entrance set within a relieving arch ornamented with octagonal coffers. Beyond this there is a rotunda, surmounted with a stepped, coffered dome with an oculus. The ceiling is ornamented with the royal coat of arms, with a band of fluting behind and with swags above. The rotunda contains a chimneypiece, with capitals containing paterae, a frieze of fluting and a central tablet. Above this there is a panel ornamented with an embossed shield, encircled by trophies, and a rectangular tablet containing a patera enclosed by a band of flint-lock pistols and trophies. To the north of the rotunda, stairs lead to a Tuscan colonnade linking to the auditorium, opening on to the rear of the stage. The stage is shown with a Corinthian colonnaded wing, with a frieze of festoons and paterae, beyond this a doorway leads to the west wing. To the north of the stage the auditorium is shown with a raked pit, and there are four tiers of boxes, as SM Adam volume 47/6. The ceiling coving is ornamented with semi-circular panels enclosing flora alternating with panels depicting urns and festoons. To far the north of the auditorium, there is shallow ribbed dome. Beyond the auditorium a Tuscan colonnade leads to the oval ballroom, as SM Adam volume 47/7. To the north of the ballroom a bridge is shown with a central segmental arch, flanked by two narrower part-rusticated arches. Above there is a link building with a balustraded window with a Tuscan colonnade. Beyond this there is the annexe building, with a hipped roof. Within there is a dog-leg staircase with a ground-storey newel supporting a lantern. Above the stairwell there are suspended lanterns ornamented with herms, and at first-storey level there is a Tuscan colonnade with doorways beyond