Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level E , Case A, Shelf 143

Design

1849-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is one of several designs, by Pugin, for interior decoration and furniture made for Earl Somers by J.P. Crace in 1849 and 1850. This design was executed. Pugin received £20 for his work with J.P. Crace at Eastnor Castle. The work-table, octagon table, walnut book case and the chandelier were specially designed for the commission, but other pieces of furniture such as X-frame chairs seem to have been adapted by Crace from designs sent to him by Pugin in 1849 for his general use as a furniture maker.

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52) is widely considered as one of the most significant and influential architects, designers and theorists of the 19th century. Following his conversion to Catholicism in 1835, he identified the Gothic style with Christian architecture and his work and writings inspired and framed the Gothic Revival. In 'Contrasts', published in 1836, he condemned classical forms and ardently praised 14th and 15th-century architecture. Pugin is best remembered for his work on the Palace of Westminster.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pen and ink over pencil, with later alterations in pencil
Brief description
Drawing of Earl Somers for genealogical tree for Eastnor Castle; A.W.N. Pugin, 1849-1850.
Physical description
Pen and ink and pencil on paper
Dimensions
  • Height: 536mm
  • Width: 420mm
Style
Marks and inscriptions
‘Lord Somers / Ancestor Tree’ (in J.P. Crace’s hand)
Object history
This design was executed.
Subject depicted
Place depicted
Summary
This is one of several designs, by Pugin, for interior decoration and furniture made for Earl Somers by J.P. Crace in 1849 and 1850. This design was executed. Pugin received £20 for his work with J.P. Crace at Eastnor Castle. The work-table, octagon table, walnut book case and the chandelier were specially designed for the commission, but other pieces of furniture such as X-frame chairs seem to have been adapted by Crace from designs sent to him by Pugin in 1849 for his general use as a furniture maker.

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52) is widely considered as one of the most significant and influential architects, designers and theorists of the 19th century. Following his conversion to Catholicism in 1835, he identified the Gothic style with Christian architecture and his work and writings inspired and framed the Gothic Revival. In 'Contrasts', published in 1836, he condemned classical forms and ardently praised 14th and 15th-century architecture. Pugin is best remembered for his work on the Palace of Westminster.
Bibliographic references
  • Alexandra Wedgwood, A.W.N. Pugin and the Pugin Family , London; V&A, 1985, pp. 192-194.
  • Taken from Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design, Accessions 1912, London, Printed for His Majesty’s Stationery Office 1913, p.108
Collection
Accession number
E.1503-1912

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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