Sir Charles Barry, R.A., F.R.S. (1795-1860)

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The Property of the Late Humphrey Whitbread, Esq., sold by Order of the Executors For a note on Sir Charles Barry and the Houses of Parliament, see lot 92.

Sir Charles Barry, R.A., F.R.S. (1795-1860)

Design for the East, West and North Elevations of the House of Lords

Details

Sir Charles Barry, R.A., F.R.S. (1795-1860)
Design for the East, West and North Elevations of the House of Lords
with inscription '(HOUSE OF LORDS)' (lower left, on a label pinned to the sheet)
pencil, watermark 'J WHATMAN/1842', unframed
21½ x 29 3/8 in. (54.7 x 74.7 cm.)
Executed circa 1842

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This important drawing shows a fairly early stage in the evolution of the design for the Chamber of the House of Lords, although most of its main features can already be seen here. It is particularly interesting that the south side, where the throne is placed, is not shown. The design for that elevation was not resolved until the end of 1844, by which time Barry had invited Pugin, who had left the project in 1837, to come back and help him with the interiors. The Lords were uncomfortable in their temporary chamber. Thus the Chamber of the House of Lords, the masterpiece of Barry's and Pugin's work, was the first part of the new building to be fitted out, and was opened by Queen Victoria in April 1847.

We are grateful to Lady Alexandra Wedgwood for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.

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