Sheppard suggests the possibility that SM Adam volume 27/49 may belong to an earlier scheme, citing references to alterations made to the interiors of the Vanbrugh theatre in 1788. However, the composition of SM Adam volume 27/49, showing a stage with barrel-vaulted ceiling and Corinthian colonnaded wings, along with the coved ceiling for the auditorium suggest the design is indeed part of this scheme, with similar features shown in SM Adam volumes 28/20, 47/3-47/4 and 47/6. Sheppard also suggests that amongst preliminary designs made for the King’s box, (SM Adam volumes 27/77-27/84), which Bolton catalogued as for the Italian/Little theatre, Haymarket, there may be designs for an earlier scheme for the opera house. SM Adam volume 27/82 is inscribed as Kings Box in the Italian Theatre, and SM Adam volume 27/79 appears to be of a similar design. However, the other preliminary designs are not inscribed and there is variation enough to allow consideration for attributing to other theatres. Indeed SM Adam volume 27/80 bears resemblance to the Haymarket scheme, but this would suggest a date c1789, rather than as part of an earlier scheme.

Group

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