The building here shown was designed by Theodore Jacobsen, who came of a family long connected with the Steelyard, and whose portrait was painted by Hudson.
The site of the Hospital had been part of Lamb’s Conduit Fields. Over the wall, to spectator’s left, is the burial ground of the parish of St. George the Martyr, now a public garden.
By R. Wilson, R.A., 1746 (1714-1782). Lent by the Foundling Hospital.
71 [ST. GEORGE’S HOSPITAL.] Plate XXIX.
Oil picture. A circle, 21 in. in diameter.
The second picture by Wilson represents St. George’s Hospital from the Green Park. Until 1733 the central part had been the suburban residence of the second Viscount Lanesborough, created an earl in 1756. It was rebuilt in 1828-29, and since then has been more than once enlarged.
By R. Wilson, R.A., 1746 (1714-1782). Lent by the Foundling Hospital.
72 [THE CHARTERHOUSE.] Plate XXX.
Oil picture. A circle, 21 in. in diameter.
An interesting example of Gainsborough’s early work. It is astonishing that when he presented it (in the year of his marriage) he was only nineteen, but the authorities of the Foundling Hospital have no doubt that it was given by him in 1746. The scene depicted at the Charterhouse is the “Terrace,” a paved walk resting on the arcade built with it by the Duke of Norfolk, 1565-1571, as a double ambulatory to his tennis court. The terrace overlooks (to spectator’s left) the site of the great cloister of the ancient monastery, afterwards the Duke’s garden, then the “Upper Green” or match-ground of the school, and now the Merchant Taylors’ playground. The tower with light shining on it is the chapel tower.