Object Type
Capitals were placed at the tops of columns or pilasters (flattened columns). In ancient Greek and Roman architecture, in subsequent classical revival styles, the capitals helped determine the style of the building. Their design normally conformed to the four orders of architecture - Doric, Ionic, Corinthian or Composite - but in the interior of a building they were often designed with more freedom. They were then usually placed on pilasters positioned at regular intervals along the walls.

Design
The capital uses various ancient Roman motifs, such as the egg-and-dart frieze, the central anthemion (stylised honeysuckle) and scrolls with acanthus flowers. However, they are combined in line with the fashionable Neo-classical style of the 1770s.

Materials & Making
The decoration is made of composition, a paste or putty, which would have been applied by mould and carved when dry. Painting the capital to resemble wood reduced the cost at a time when materials were more expensive than labour.

Place
This capital came from Ranelagh House, Chelsea, London, which was demolished in 1805. From the 1740s the house was surrounded by Ranelagh Gardens, a fashionable pleasure garden. Sir Thomas Robinson (?1700-1777), the Master of Ceremonies at the gardens and a keen amateur architect, built himself an adjoining house called Prospect Place from about 1763. It is possible that Robinson may have had a hand in the design of this capital.