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  • image SM 71/2/72

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