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Preliminary design for the plan of Blenheim Palace at basement level, before the addition of service courtyards on the east and west sides of the north front
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Reference number
SM volume 109/78
Purpose
Preliminary design for the plan of Blenheim Palace at basement level, before the addition of service courtyards on the east and west sides of the north front
Aspect
4 Plan
Scale
20 feet to 1 inch (same as 109/59)
Inscribed
In graphite by C19 hand at top centre (bottom centre in correct orientation), Blenheim / Basement story; and in brown ink in C19 hand at top right (i.e. bottom left), 63.
Signed and dated
- Undated, but datable 1705 (before June that year)
Medium and dimensions
Pen and brown ink with grey wash over graphite under drawing. Laid paper, joined in c.1711 to 109/62, both sheets becoming the verso for 109/61, part of which is laid over this drawing; modern reinforcing strip down outer edge (west side of plan); attached to book guard on inner edge. 354 x 492
Hand
Hawksmoor
Verso
The verso of this sheet forms the backing for 109/61, a separate sheet that covers about two thirds of the area of this sheet. An inscription and part of the drawing work of 109/61 is on the verso of this sheet rather than on the pasted-on sheet.
Watermark
IHS / IVILLEDARY
Notes
This basement corresponds to one in the Bodleian (MS Top. Oxon.a). Although the plan is of the main pile only, it is unlikely to have been prepared after the designs of the east and west service courtyards were worked out. Alterations to the positions of chimney breasts in the walls of the east wing in the main floor plan, 109/59, imply changes at this level as well. Both levels are thus datable before the start of work.
It is noteworthy that the several elements of the Blenheim ground and basement plans are worked into the planning of the oval court scheme (109/64), in particular the corridors with niche recesses, the apse-ended rooms, the square angle bastions with circular rooms and tunnel-like window recesses, and of course the concept of a quadrant-shaped courtyard flanking a portico with giant-order columns.
It is noteworthy that the several elements of the Blenheim ground and basement plans are worked into the planning of the oval court scheme (109/64), in particular the corridors with niche recesses, the apse-ended rooms, the square angle bastions with circular rooms and tunnel-like window recesses, and of course the concept of a quadrant-shaped courtyard flanking a portico with giant-order columns.
Literature
Downes, Hawksmoor, 1979, cat. no. 422. Not in Wren Society; not previously reproduced
Level
Drawing
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