Workshop of Sir John Soane

The colours have faded very slightly in this watercolour. There is a rectangular area of discolouration associated with previous mounting located in the centre of the sheet. Around the extreme edges of the sheet there are several loses. The sheet has not been laid down.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

We are very grateful to Stephen Astley, Curator of Drawings at the Sir John Soane Museum, for identifying the present work. The drawing relates to the rebuilding of Wotton House, Wotton Underwood, Buckinghamshire, after the fire in 1820 that destroyed all but the shell of the early eighteenth century house.  It shows an early scheme for the hall, incorporating a vault, a scheme presented to the client, the Duke of Buckingham, at Stowe on 17 November 1820.  It became a firm favourite of the Duke's and as late as February 1821 he was urging Soane to adopt it. Sir John Soane's Museum has a larger drawing (SM 34/1/6) showing the same view, in pencil, pen and watercolour which measures 465 by 272 mm.  It is inscribed in Soane's hand Design C, so there must have been others.  This vaulted scheme was not adopted. However a tribune was built, though most of Soane's work was removed circa 1920.