Drawing

Design (elevation), possibly an early project for the Horse Guards, showing the frontage to the Parade Ground by designer and architect William Kent (1685-1748). Also on the sheet is a pencil sketch of an alternative design for the octogonal drums surmounting the side pavilions. On the back are pencil sketches of a section through the central block and two variant designs for cupolas. Thid drawing was formerly in the collection of C.J. Richardson.

Kent visited Rome in 1715 where he met Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington who became his patron. Boyle encouraged Kent’s interest in architecture when they returned to London together and Kent soon started receiving commissions for buildings and furniture in the classical style. His most famous buildings include Holkham Hall, Norfolk, and the Horse Guards, Whitehall.