More developed study for the main external entablature, differing from the fabric

WRE/2/4/17

1678–79

Sir Christopher (1632–1723) Wren, Edward (c.1635–1695) Pearce

Pen and brown ink over pencil under-drawing with pen shading. Laid paper. 42.8 x 26.5 cm. Countermark: IHS surmounted by a cross, over IM.

{\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 larger-scaled study for the main entablature, not as built, but revised from WRE/2/4/16. Datable 1678-79. Drawn and numbered scale, 1 ft to 1.75 inches; separate drawn scale to left, 1 ft to 3.5 inches.\par \par The cornice has been revised from the design in WRE/2/4/16. Pearce wrote the heights of the three parts of the entablature vertically against the frieze: 3 ft 6 inches for the cornice, 2 ft 8 inches (changed from 6 inches) for the frieze, and 2 ft 8.5 inches for the architrave. The total, \lquote\i 8 foo 10 In: \'bd ye whole highe\i0\rquote (8 ft 10.5 inches), written across the top of the cornice, is only 0.5 inch more than built (see Hawksmoor\rquote s record drawing, c.1685, WRE/3/1/1). Additionally, Pearce wrote the three main dimensions vertically against the frieze: \lquote\i Cornish 3 foo: 6 In: / freese 2 foo: 6 In\i0 [struck through] / \i 8 In : \'bd\i0 [struck through] / \i Archetraue 2 foo: 8 In : \'bd\i0\rquote . \par \par Wren revised the design thoroughly before work began on the architrave and frieze in 1681-82. He increased the architrave to 2 ft 11 inches while reducing the fascias from three to two, added a cavetto moulding to the upper part of the cymatium, and lowered the cornice to 3 ft 4 inches. The relative heights of the three members of the built entablature are closer to Palladio\rquote s recommended ratios of 4 : 3 : 5 for architrave, frieze and cornice (\i Quattro Libri\i0 , 1570, Book I, Chapter 17). \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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