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| Architectural Drawings of Wren
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| Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) was an English designer, mathematician and the Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford University. It was not until 1663 that Wren tried his hand at architecture, and his first commission was the job of designing Pembroke College Chapel at Cambridge University. Next was the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, based on the classical design of the Roman Theatre of Marcellus. This was the work that made Wren's reputation as an architect. From these beginnings Wren became the greatest architect of his time and is best known for his work in London after the Great Fire of 1666, in particular his iconic work on the restoration of St Paul's Cathedral.This catalogue is a comprehensive survey of the collection of Wren workshop drawings held by All Souls College, Oxford. It comprises 453 illustrations by Wren himself and by Edward Woodroofe, Thomas Laine and most notably by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Several other lesser known members of Wren's atelier are also represented in the archive.From humble parish church to grand plans for palaces and cathedrals, these drawings attest to the scope of Wren's career.
He worked on projects for the greatest patrons of the period, redesigning parts of Hampton Court, Whitehall and Windsor. For Oxford and Cambridge Universities he was commissioned to build colleges and additional buildings for those already established. Wren also prepared plans for new work at Westminster School, his alma mater.In addition to expanding our understanding of how Wren's buildings developed from his imagination to finished construction we are offered a unique insight into the way in which the architect ran his studio. Surprisingly many of the drawings were delegated to trusted draughtsmen such as Hawksmoor and Laine. We see the emergence and development of their own talent alongside that of Wren.This is an indispensable resource for students of the career of Sir Christopher Wren, the work of his assistants, and the history of the English Baroque in architecture. |
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