Survey drawing in pencil on paper of cottages at Much Hadham by Philip Webb. Some of the drawing is in another hand, although the sheet is signed by Webb and dated April 1895. The top left is inscribed: 'Cottages at Much-Hadham, plans, sections and elevations of double cottage, as at present, 1/8 inch scale.' Verso is labelled 'Much-Hadham Cottages'. The drawing shows an elevation, sections and two plans for the ground floor and chamber of the cottages. Webb has included some dimensions on the sheet.
Philip Speakman Webb (Oxford, 1831-Sussex, 1915) was a prominent British architect who designed numerous buildings throughout Great Britain. Known for his contributions to British vernacular architecture, Webb was also a skilled draughtsman, and designer of tableware, tiles, stained glass, and furniture. He also designed gravestones and memorials for his friends and clients. Webb lent his hand to many collaborative projects and worked closely with his colleagues, namely William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Burne Jones. His precise drawings of animals, particularly birds, frequently adorn tiles, stained glass, textiles, and wallpaper produced by Morris and Co. Webb is best known for designing Morris’ Red House in Bexleyheath, as well as Clouds House, Naworth Castle, and several London town houses. Among his other accomplishments, Webb is attributed with laying the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts and Modern movements, establishing longstanding principles in historic preservation, and creating some of the most influential designs still studied and celebrated today.