bar scale 1/12 in to 1 in (approximately)

in the Cloysters of the W: Abbey to the Mem^y of Jeremia[h] Lewis / Gentleman and labelled Siana

Pen on thin laid paper (190 x 182)

Sir Henry Cheere, Bt (1703-81) or his workshop

scrolly ? W encircled

The wall tablet (presently removed for restoration) was placed in the west walk, fifth bay from the south, of the Cloister of Westminster Abbey. As executed, the inscription reads ' Near this Place / lie the Remains / of Jeremiah Lewis Gen^t. / Who departed this Life / May the 11^th. 1761 / In the 61^st. Year of his Age.' The records show that on 29 March 1766, Henry Cheere paid £5.5s.0d for leave to erect the monument (Funeral Fees book), although on 9 June 1765 the Fine had been set at 10 Guineas. It was customary for the sculptor to pay the permission fee. (Information from Miss C.Reynolds, Assistant Keeper of Muniments, Westminster Abbey Library & Muniment Room, 17 July 2007.)As executed, the top of the tablet (where it is shown blank on the drawing) is semicircular. A white and veined yellow marble was used. According to R.Gunnis (Dictionary of British sculptors 1660-1851, rev.ed., n.d.) Sir Henry Cheere, Bart. (1703-81) had a yard near to St Margaret's, Westminster. 'He retired from business in 1770, and on 26 and 27 March of the same year a sale of the contents of his yard was held.' The hand, medium and support are the same as for 42/14 and 42/24 (q.v.) and those drawings have been attributed to Henry Cheere or his workshop.

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