A folio of twenty-four architectural drawings

Twenty by or attributed to James Gibbs, four by other hands, including fourteen depicting Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire, five depicting Ollerton Hall, Nottinghamshire, three depicting Ollerton Church and two others

Commissioned by Sir George Savile, 8^th Baronet (1726-84);
By descent to the present owner  

In general the drawings have remained in good condition. The paper has darkened somewhat in the majority of the sheets. Several works have suffered from minor foxing and minor surface dirt. One sheet has suffered from wood worm which has caused the paper to be scattered with very small round holes. Various sheets have minor tears around their extreme edges. The watercolours have not faded and are generally in good condition. The sheets are all attached to backing paper.
"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."

It has been suggested that the twenty architectural plans in this folio were commissioned as surveys from James Gibbs by Sir George Savile, 8^th Baronet (1726-84). James Gibbs was one of the most influential architects of the eighteenth century. As well as many country house designs he was responsible for masterpieces such as the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford and the Senate House, Cambridge. Until the re-discovery of the present plans architectural historians had been unaware that Gibbs had any connection with Sir George Savile, Rufford Abbey or Ollerton Hall.

Sir George Savile, 8^th Bt. inherited Rufford Abbey, Nottinghamshire in 1743, at the age of seventeen. The house had been the primary seat of the Savile family since 1580. Originally constructed on the site of a Cistercian Abbey, the house was much enlarged by Sir George, 4^th Bt. (1633-95). Later alterations were made in the nineteenth century by the Anthony Salvin (1799-1881), before the building was demolished in 1956.

Ollerton Hall is also in Nottinghamshire and was acquired by Sir George, 8^th Bt. circa 1746. The house is thought to have been built by Thomas Markham (1640-1693) circa 1670-80. Although Gibbs completed detailed plans of the two houses, there is no evidence that he carried out any physical alterations to either building.

Sir George Savile, 8^th Bt. was born at Savile House, Leicester Square the only son of Sir George, 7^th Bt. (1679-1743). He graduated from Queens' College, Cambridge in 1749 and served as M.P. for Yorkshire from 1759 until 1783. We would like to thank Richard Hewlings for his help in cataloguing this lot.