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Approved design for the Scala Regia, February 1822
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Reference number
SM 71/2/72
Purpose
Approved design for the Scala Regia, February 1822
Aspect
Interior perspective of the Scala Regia
Inscribed
as above, Submitted to His Majesty / by Col Stephenson & ap- / proved
Signed and dated
- February 1822
John Soane Arch L.I.F. / Feb 1822
Medium and dimensions
Pencil, yellow, sepia, pink and blue washes, shaded, with multi-ruled caput and black wash border on wove paper (451 x 336)
Hand
Soane Office
Notes
Although more elaborately ornamented than in SM 71/2/71, with rosettes, Vitruvian scroll mouldings and angels with trumpets, the Scala Regia is much less elaborate than the ceremonial staircase designed by Soane in 1794-6 (q.v. London: House of Lords, Palace of Westminster: official (mostly domeless) designs: drawings 102-3). However, this was the design approved by the King, according to a note on the drawing in Soane's hand. The Scala Regia was an important part of Soane's 1794-6 designs that was resurrected in the 1820s scheme. It formed one part of a grand processional route into the heart of Westminster, immediately preceded by a gothic Royal Entrance and leading on to a 'national monument' consisting of three Royal Galleries. Soane's Royal Staircase was executed in 1822-3 to a different design (see SM volume 61/29-30).
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