As the science of photography developed, so architectural drawings became less realistic and more impressionistic (since there was no need to produce a realistic facsimile of a scene when a photograph could achieve this in an instant). Architectural draftsmen, however, were required to produce something that looked realistic when in fact it was pure fantasy.
Often the lovingly-drawn perspective flattered the building rather more than it deserved, putting it into a romantic light, or drawing it from an impossible viewpoint. Many architectural designs were never built, or worse, demolished – in such cases, the original drawings are the only evidence that the building ever existed.
We are proud to present a selection of architectural drawings and watercolours by some of the twentieth century’s greatest architectural artists, including Cyril Farey and JDM Harvey.
-
Wolverhampton School of Practical Art
Wolverhampton School of Practical Art Published for London Illustrated News (25 June 1853) 17.5x29cm Watercolour If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Reginald Hallward Grapevine Altar Cloth Design
Reginald Hallward Grapevine Altar Cloth Design Watercolour and pencil Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
John Charles Rogers RIBA (1888-1939)
The Lantern, St Paul's Cathedral, London
41 x 18 cm (61 x 7") Graphite on paper Signed JC Rogers Inscribed 'Isometric section on the centre line'. Rogers was a practising architect who trained at Regent Street Polytechnic and was then assistant to Messrs Harvey & Potter. -
D L Hadden
Design for Lounge Furniture in Sycamore (1929)
Pencil and watercolour 29x49cm For biographical details and other works by the artist click here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
D L Hadden
Bedroom Interior
Pencil and watercolour 23x31.5cm For biographical details and other works by the artist click here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
D L Hadden
Curio Cabinet Design (1929)
Pencil and watercolour 29.5x21.5cm For biographical details and other works by the artist click here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Sir Albert Edward Richardson K.C.V.O., F.R.I.B.A, F.S.A., P.R.A. (1880-1964)
Cambridge Revisited (1933)
Pen, ink, and wash24 x 35 cmSigned and dated lower right.Renowned for his architectural fantasies, Richardson here depicts Sir Christopher Wren revisiting the chapel he built in 1677. Wren is a Colossus, surveying not only the architecture of the chapel but the fantastical assortment of characters present in the quad. Seventeenth century lords, ladies, and scholars occupy the centre of the picture while 20th century tourists (on the left) watch the scene unfold.Richardson was a leading English architect, teacher and writer about architecture during the first half of the 20th century. He was Professor of Architecture at University College London, a President of the Royal Academy, editor of Architects' Journal, founder of the Georgian Group and the Guild of Surveyors and Master of the Art Workers' Guild. He also received the Architectural Association’s Professor Bannister Fletcher Medal (an award for the study of post- Great Fire London architecture) in 1902. -
J R Stammers (1918-??) for Sir Albert Richardson
Design for New Buildings at Christ’s College, Cambridge
Inscribed ‘PROPOSED EXTENSIONS TO CHRIST’S COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE’, ‘A.E. RICHARDSON E.A.S. HOUFE’ (lower left), ‘PERSPECTIVE BY J.R. STAMMERS’ (lower right) Pencil and watercolour heightened with bodycolour 63 x 86cm (25 x 34 inches) Provenance: The estate of Albert Richardson. Click here for other works by the artist and biographical details. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
William Alfred Pite (1860-1949)
King`s College Hospital, Denmark Hill general bird`s-eye view (1913)
Initialled H.M.F., signed and titled by William A. Pite F.R.I.B.A. (1860-1949), lower right, on board support with R.I.B.A. `Exhibition of Contemporary British Architecture` label, and architect`s label both mounted on verso Watercolour over pencil 46 x 92cm (26.25 x 18 inches) -
Reginald Hallward (1858-1948)
Design for wall painting at Werneth Church, Oldham
Watercolour with highlights 22 x 16 cm Click here for biographical details and other works by the artist. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Cyril A. Farey
Design for an Art Deco office building, (1932)
Signed ‘Cyril A Farey Del 1932’ Pencil and watercolour 23 x 16 in A glorious and large drawing of an as-yet unidentified art deco building. This picture is classic Farey, with the reflections in the foreground and the bright blue sky. Biographical details and other works by Cyril Farey can be found here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Cyril A. Farey (1888-1954)
National Bank of India, Aden
Watercolour 44x60cm (frame) 17.5×33.5cm (6.8×13.1 inches) Biographical details and other works by Cyril Farey can be found here. In 1839 Aden was taken by the East India Company as a recoaling point between India and the UK. Aden came under the control of the Government of Bombay. In 1937, recognising the geographical distinction between India and Aden it ceased to be a part of British India and became a Crown Colony with its own Governor. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
Cyril Farey (1888-1954)
Berners Street
Signed ‘Cyril A Farey’ and inscribed ‘Proposed New Premises Nos 3 & 4 Berners Street London W.’ Pencil and watercolour 39.5 x 23.5 cm Biographical details and other works by Cyril Farey can be found here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
John Dean Monroe Harvey (1895-1978)
A design for Barclays Bank, Walthamstow (1964)
Signed and dated ‘J D M Harvey 64.’ Gouache on paper. A very fine architectural perspective by Harvey with his customary distinctive clouds and elegant people. The scheme was built, but the ground floor has since been rebuilt in a rather less satisfactory fashion. 41 x 60 cm (16 x 23 inches) For biographical details and more works by JDM Harvey, please click here. If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056. -
A Design for The Midland Hotel Manchester
Pencil drawing 20x41cm Provenance: British Railways If you are interested email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.