Soane's draughtsman Joseph Michael Gandy visited Tyringham in July 1798 to take views of the finished building. He returned on July 26th, having spent 9 days at the site at an expense of £1:14 (Day book 1798). After he returned with his rough watercolour views (drawings 151 to 157), Gandy made larger, more finished drawings of the buildings (drawings 158 to 162). Drawings 151 to 157 are in a set with a view of the old house (drawing 11), also dated July 1798 and made by Gandy. The old house was probably still standing in 1798.

Drawings 151 to 154 are views of the house and offices. The offices are partly obscured by young plantings. These views were used to make drawings 158, 159 and 162.

Drawing 155 shows the entrance screen as it is today, except for the strigillated urns that have since been removed. The entrance screen consists of an arched entrance between two lodges. The front of each lodge has a recessed window framed by paired unfluted Greek Doric columns. An incised line ornament continues from the column capitals across the entrance screen and tracing the arched entrance. A segment of parapet is centred over both lodges and crowning the entrance arch.

The bridge is on the axis of approach through the entrance screen. The views of the bridge, drawings 148 and 149, were referred to for making drawings 160 and 161, although drawing 160 is a fictional viewpoint that allows the bridge and entrance screen to be seen close together.

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