The four drawings in this group show a much more detailed approach to the planning of the house than has previously been encountered. Of drawings 106 to 109, two are evidently at least partial copies of the third. The Dance wing is retained within this scheme and the beginnings of a plan for the service wing are shown. Soane was concerned with the visual effect of this addition and in drawing 107 has sketched in trees and vegetation - presumably to disguise the wing (just as he had done with the Dance wing before). The small plan of the house and driveway, sketched in red pen on drawing 106, also shows Soane's concern with the symmetry and appearance of the structure - the service wing balances out the Dance wing (to some extent).

Drawing 108 indicates a further portion to be added to the service wing (in pencil). Drawing 109 shows extensive re-workings and sketching in Soane's hand. It includes a small flier (over part of a room in the service wing) that provides an alternative plan for some sinks. The driveway is drawn in as well as a line of trees forming the park perimeter and a very rough design for the gated entrance is given (fairly close to its final position in relation to the house). A small elevational sketch of the basement on its lawn front is also shown in the margin.

NB Drawing 109 also has two further dates in pencil - July 21 1800 with Mr Way and aug: 30:1801. These suggest that this particular drawing saw many reworkings, from an original survey drawing (a feint pencil design can be seen underneath) to the brown pen sketches in Soane's hand.

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