Description

An original antique stone lithograph based on the work of John Thorpe (fl. 1570-1618). Published in Charles James Richardson’s ‘Architectural Remains of the Reigns of Elizabeth and James I’ in 1838. Engraved by Day and Haghe from sketches by Richardson. Stone lithography is the ideal medium for such work, as the fine detail captures the impression of the artist’s pencil sketch. The intention of Richardson’s publication was to present ‘a full, correct, and comprehensive collection’ of the more valuable examples of Elizabethan and Jacobean architecture, as opposed to those ‘deficient in unity and simplicity of character’. The idea for the publication was suggested by the many ‘curious and original drawings’ by John Thorpe to be found in Sir John Soane’s Museum. John Thorpe was a prominent architect of the period. As Richardson puts it, ‘there were few celebrated houses then erecting in which Thorpe was not engaged’.

This engraving shows a view of Burghley House, Northamptonshire, the seat of the Marquis of Exeter. It was built by Lord Burghley as the Mansion of his Barony, and was finished circa 1587. It is highly likely Burghley House was designed by Thorpe, as very accurate plans of the building are given in his collection. The house is said by Richardson to be ‘one of the finest and most celebrated structures in Europe’.