Watercolour. 29½ by 20¼ in.
Old Somerset House was built by the Protector, brother of Jane Seymour and maternal uncle of Edward VI, being begun soon after the death of Henry VIII. During a portion of Mary’s reign it was assigned to her sister Elizabeth. James I granted it to his Queen, Anne of Denmark. Charles handed it over to his Queen, Henrietta Maria, and caused a chapel for Roman Catholics to be added to the building. This was designed by Inigo Jones and consecrated in 1635, and he did other work there. A picture at Dulwich, engraved for Wilkinson’s “Londina Illustrata,” shows it before his chapel and alterations destroyed the uniform character of the building. It can hardly be from nature, as the artist was Cornelis Bol, who also portrayed the Great Fire. The present view must have been painted shortly before its demolition in 1775. An arcaded portion designed by Inigo Jones, stands out prominently.
By T. Sandby, R.A. (1721-1798). Lent by H.M. the King.
17 OLD MANSION IN LEADENHALL STREET.
Watercolour. 12½ by 18 in.
To spectator’s right, above nearer buildings, is the spire of St. Peter’s Cornhill, and behind it the tower of St. Michael’s, Cornhill.
If, as noted in pencil, this rather ornate structure was pulled down “for the East India House,” it must have been after the rebuilding of the latter from Jupp’s design, for it is shown in the large watercolour by T. Malton ([No. 77]) as immediately west of that building.
About 1800 Lent by Sir E. Coates.
18 WESTMINSTER FROM THE GARDEN OF OLD SOMERSET HOUSE.
Watercolour. 14¼ by 10½ in.