Top-lit Library
George Steuart (c.1730 - 1806)
Category
Architecture / Drawings
Date
circa 1782
Materials
Pencil, ink and watercolour on paper
Measurements
340 x 480 mm
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 607919
Summary
Pencil, ink and watercolour drawing by George Steuart, circa 1782. Four wall plan around rectangular floor plan for an unexecuted scheme for a double-storey library in the old Tern Hall. Showing the unusual proposal for drapery over the bookcases, protecting the books from light and dust. Card mount, glazed in giltwood frame, dentil border. Noel Hill's commission to George Steuart was placed as soon as his father died in 1782. Steuart, a Scotsman, had started work in London as a decorator but by 1770 had turned to architecture and was designing a town house for the Duke of Atholl - to the chagrin of Robert Adam. In 1779 he drew up designs for a house at Onslow, near Shrewsbury, for Noel's cousin Rowland Wingfield. During 1783 Steuart was also working on Noel Hill's London house in Portman Square.
Provenance
Commissioned by Noel Hill (1745-1789), created 1st Baron Berwick in 1784. By descent Attingham collection; bequeathed to the National Trust with the estate, house and contents of Attingham by Thomas Henry Noel-Hill, 8th Baron Berwick (1877-1947) on 15th May 1953.
Makers and roles
George Steuart (c.1730 - 1806), artist