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Model of Stonehenge, Wiltshire, late 18th century
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Model of Stonehenge, Wiltshire, late 18th century
Late 18th century
Cork
Height: 19cm
Width: 79cm
Depth: 79cm
Width: 79cm
Depth: 79cm
Museum number: M300
Not on display
Curatorial note
Soane was extremely interested in Stonehenge and in addition to owning this model commissioned seven lecture drawings illustrating druidical remains in the area. He sent three of his pupils, George Bailey, Edward Foxhall junior and Henry Parke, on a week-long journey to Wiltshire from 17 June 1817 to measure and study the remains in preparation for the making of these drawings. Soane also owned a number of books on the subject, including first and second edition copies of Inigo Jones's The most notable antiquity of Great Britain, vulgarly called Stone-Heng on Salisbury Plain (1655, 1725).
The provenance of this model is unknown but it must have been made in England. Models of archaeological remains were commonly used in lectures such as those of the Society of Antiquaries of which Soane was a Fellow.
The provenance of this model is unknown but it must have been made in England. Models of archaeological remains were commonly used in lectures such as those of the Society of Antiquaries of which Soane was a Fellow.
Provenance
Probably purchased by Soane in c.1832 this model may have come from Charles Heathcote Tatham's collection or from Dubourg's exhibition.
Literature
Christopher Evans, 'Megalithic Follies: Soane's 'Druidical Remains' and the Display of Monuments', Journal of Material Culture 2000, 5: pp.347-366 (specifically p.349).
Peter Thornton and Helen Dorey, A Miscellany of Objects from Sir John Soane's Museum, 1992, 68.
Peter Thornton and Helen Dorey, A Miscellany of Objects from Sir John Soane's Museum, 1992, 68.
Exhibition history
Stonehenge: Monumental Journey, Quadriga Gallery, Wellington Arch, London, 9 May - 24 June 2012
Associated items
24/9/1, same subject
Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk