C.R. Cockerell and assistants, 1829
Watercolour on card, mounted on paper. 72×30
MS. Add.9272/4/17

Cockerell explained the design of the principal facade in a letter to the committee: ‘The Portico is imitated from the celebrated Western Portal of St Paul’s Cathedral by Inigo Jones [sic: St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, which was at the time surfaced in Portland stone]. The attic order is from the forum of Nerva & other ancient examples; it is supposed that the attic (empierced for windows), the stone domes at the four angles, & the solidity of the corners of the building will give that effect of durability, which is so suited to its character’.