Soane recorded in his journal (Journal N^o 2) on 17 March 1789 that he sent Fairburn working drawings for finishing the new wing, and on the 24th he records that he sent Fairburn working drawings for a chimney-piece, probably for part of the new wing.

Drawing 6 has designs for chimney-pieces in six rooms. The chimney-pieces in the west bedroom, west dressing room and north dressing room are of different dimensions but following the same design, as shown on the recto of the sheet. The other three chimney-pieces have larger dimensions: the south bedroom chimney-piece has an opening 3 feet 3 inches wide; the ladies' library chimney-piece is 3 feet 4 and a half inches wide; and Sir Alexander's Room has a chimney-piece measuring 3 feet 6 inches wide. The ladies' library and Sir Alexander's room are on the 'Hall floor'. Drawing 7 shows the chimney-pieces in these two rooms. The ladies' library has a chimney-piece with a water leaf motif on the frieze. The jambs are fluted with cabling on the lower elevation. The chimney-piece in Alexander Hood's room is simpler, having fluted jambs and frieze (heavily shaded in the drawing) and corner blocks with scroll motifs that resemble inverted volutes.

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