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.
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Sir George Gilbert Scott FRIBA Girls' School Harrogate
Watercolour 53 x 96 cm Signed to the lower right. Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811–1878) is one of the most influential British architects of the 19th century, renowned for his mastery of the Gothic Revival style. His work shaped the skylines of Britain, from the breathtaking Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras to the majestic Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens. A prolific designer, he restored countless medieval churches and cathedrals, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s heritage. Though his restorations were sometimes controversial, his passion for craftsmanship and historical preservation cemented his legacy. Knighted in 1872, Scott’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring generations of architects, including his own descendants. This charming watercolour rendering of a girls' school in Harrogate, attributed to Sir George Gilbert Scott, beautifully showcases the elegance and functionality of late Victorian institutional architecture. Constructed in warm red brick, the building features a symmetrical façade with long, well-proportioned wings extending from a grand central entrance, which is accentuated by a stately staircase and a delicate cupola. Large sash windows ensure ample natural light, while dormer windows suggest attic spaces, possibly for boarding or study. The leftmost section, with its turreted and fortified appearance, hints at Scott’s Gothic Revival influences, while subtle Tudor-style details in the brickwork and gables add a sense of historical continuity. The surrounding landscape, with neatly arranged pathways and groups of students, enhances the sense of purpose and refinement. This architectural vision seamlessly blends beauty with practicality, embodying the era’s dedication to education and progress. -
M R A Hollis Rufford Old Hall, Door Details
Pencil drawing 56 x 77 cm Professor Malcolm A Hollis was a chartered surveyor, arbitrator and professor of Building Pathology. He produced this architectural sketch while studying at the Liverpool College of Building. The study depicts details of the door at Rufford Old Hall. Hollis' accuracy is impressive: the clean lines all seem to be perfectly spaced, the presumably metal detailing on the door symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. His commendable precision make this a striking piece. Rufford Old Hall is a historic Tudor manor house in Rufford, Lancashire, England. It was built in the 16th century and was the home of the Hesketh family for over 400 years. It is also notable as a stomping ground for the young William Shakespeare. It is now managed as a National Trust property and is a popular tourist attraction. -
M R A Hollis Rufford Old Hall, Charles II Wing
Pencil drawing 56 x 77 cm Professor Malcolm A Hollis was a chartered surveyor, arbitrator and professor of Building Pathology. He produced this architectural sketch while studying at the Liverpool College of Building. The study depicts a view of the Charles II Wing at Rufford Old Hall. As is typical of Hollis' drawings, the sketch is characterised by extremely clean lines, attention to detail and a strong architectural perspective. Particular attention is paid to the grouting of the brick work and the building's crest, signalling that it was originally built in 1662. Rufford Old Hall is a historic Tudor manor house in Rufford, Lancashire, England. It was built in the 16th century and was the home of the Hesketh family for over 400 years. It is also notable as a stomping ground for the young William Shakespeare. It is now managed as a National Trust property and is a popular tourist attraction. -
M R A Hollis The Old Bluecoat School
Pencil drawing 56 x 77 cm Professor Malcolm A Hollis was a chartered surveyor, arbitrator and professor of Building Pathology. He produced this architectural sketch while studying at the Liverpool College of Building. The study depicts a frontal view of the Bluecoat School, showcasing its grand 18th-century architecture and is characterised by clean lines and a strong sense of architectural perspective. The Bluecoat School is the oldest building in both central Liverpool and the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built in 1717 to house the Blue Coat School for Orphans. After almost 200 years, the school moved to a different premises in 1906 and in 1907 the Sandon Studios Society, a breakaway from University of Liverpool’s School of Applied Art, moved into the vacant building, establishing one of the first dedicated art centres in the world. It continues to serve this purpose today and celebrated its 300 year anniversary in 2017. -
M R A Hollis The Old Bluecoat School
Pencil drawing 56 x 77 cm Professor Malcolm A Hollis was a chartered surveyor, arbitrator and professor of Building Pathology. He produced this architectural sketch while studying at the Liverpool College of Building. The work is characterised by clean lines and a strong sense of architectural perspective. His appreciation of architecture and attention to detail particularly shine through, however, in his careful depiction of the plaster mouldings on the columns. The Bluecoat School is the oldest building in both central Liverpool and the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally built in 1717 to house the Blue Coat School for Orphans. After almost 200 years, the school moved to a different premises in 1906 and in 1907 the Sandon Studios Society, a breakaway from University of Liverpool’s School of Applied Art, moved into the vacant building, establishing one of the first dedicated art centres in the world. It continues to serve this purpose today and celebrated its 300 year anniversary in 2017. -
James Basire & Robert Blemmel Schnebbelie The Holy Sepulchre at Northwold in the county of Norfolk
Engraving 45 x 60 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. The society commissioned a series of architectural engravings by James Basire, this one based on a drawing by the English painter and illustrator Robert Blemmel Schnebbelie. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. This particular edition depicts the Holy Sepulchre at Northwold in Norfolk. This sepulchre probably dated to the late 15th century and was used for the Deposition and Resurrection rituals on Good Friday and Easter Sunday-- an in depth commentary on such sepulchre in Norfolk was written by Veronica Sekules for the University of Missouri. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Architectural View of Exeter Cathedral
Engraving 61 x 95 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. The society commissioned a series of architectural engravings by James Basire, based on drawing by the English architect and draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. This particular edition depicts a side-view of Exeter Cathedral. Basire's creation of contrasts between light and dark creates a strong sense of architectural perspective as the arms of the transept protrude away from the nave. Basire's strong command of the medium also allows him to expertly capture the fine details of the stained glass windows, presenting a lovely view over this majestic building. Condition: Generally very good, slight spotting to the central fold.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Floor plan of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 61 x 95 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. This particular edition depicts a cross section of St Alban's Cathedral, offering a unique insight into both the architectural features of the building and its finer masonry and design details. Condition: Generally very good, slight spotting to the central fold.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Floor Plan of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 61 x 95 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. This particular edition depicts the architectural floor plan of St Albans Cathedral. The cruciform architecture is striking, as portrayed from an aerial view. Basire and Carter also expertly preserve the finer details of this beautiful cathedral in these plans, depicting the details of the floor tiling and the masonry of the columns. This attention both to the architecture and the details produces a unique overall view of the cathedral. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & William Turner Davey A Chimney Piece in the Bishop's Palace at Exeter
Engraving 45 x 60 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. The society commissioned a series of architectural engravings by James Basire, this one based on a drawing by the English artist and engraver William Turner Davey. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. This engraving depicts an ornate chimney piece in the Bishop's Palace at Exeter. It features a number of crests and Basire's masterful engraving technique expertly captures the fine masonry of the piece. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 60 x 44 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 60 x 44 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 60 x 44 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral
Engraving 60 x 44 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising it as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings of St Albans Cathedral by James Basire, based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
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James Basire & John Carter The Abbey Church of St Albans
Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to studying and preserving historical monuments. Recognising St Albans Cathedral as one of England's most significant medieval structures, the society commissioned a series of engravings by James Basire--based on drawings by the architectural draughtsman John Carter. In doing so, the Antiquaries hoped to preserve and disseminate knowledge of England’s architectural heritage. Condition: Generally very good.If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
