A view of Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire

Fonthill Abbey was designed by James Wyatt for William Beckford. It was built on the top of a hill, was cruciform in shape and had a tower 275 feet high and stucco vaulted halls. Beckford was the patron of J.R. Cozens, for a watercolour by whom see lot 3. Soon after Beckford had left the Abbey, the Gothic tower collapsed.

A similiar view taken closer to the Abbey was sold at Sotheby's, London, 15 March 1984, lot 54.