Initial outline plan of the upper vestry above the Dean’s Vestry

WRE/2/3/13

1678–79

Sir Christopher (1632–1723) Wren, Unidentified draughtsman (fl.1675–c.1687)

Pen and brown ink over pencil under-drawing. Smooth, thin laid paper. 41.3 x 25.5 cm. Watermark: Strasbourg bend.

{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang2057{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 Microsoft Sans Serif;}{\f1\fswiss\fprq2\fcharset0 System;}} {\colortbl ;\red0\green0\blue128;} \viewkind4\uc1\pard\cf1\f0\fs20 A preliminary study for the plan of the octagonal upper vestry above the Dean\rquote s Vestry. Drawn by the unidentified draughtsman (fl.1675-c.1687). Datable 1678-79. Drawn to an identical scale as WRE/2/3/12 (just under 3 ft to 1 inch; 10 ft = 88 mm) and probably contemporary with it. \par \par The plan imposes the octagonal plan of the upper vestry on the dotted circular plan of the vault below. The windows have tapering splays but were built with parallel sides, a revision sketched over them in pencil. The square-ended recesses on the opposite sides of the plan are the inner reveals of small internal windows that admit borrowed light into the aisles at high level, above the central niche or door in the wall of the bastion facing the aisle. \par \par No indication is given of the central oculus in the vault of the Dean\rquote s Vestry. This is shown as an opening in the floor of the upper vestry in the two previous drawings, WRE/2/3/11 and 12. The oculus was fitted with a carved wooden panel, which could be removed to allow the lifting or lowering of objects from one chamber to the other. \par \par The upper vestry has been used as a strong room since the completion of the cathedral. \cf0\b\f1\par }

Access to the Wren office drawings held at London Metropolitan Archives is available only with advance notice and at the discretion of the Heritage Services Director, London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London, EC1R 0HB.

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