Christopher Wren’s Plan for Rebuilding the City of London, Antique Engraving

18th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This fascinating 18th-century engraving based upon Christopher Wren’s intriguing plan to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666.

Wren presented his ideas to Charles II shortly after the Fire had destroyed most of the City. His ambitious vision involved creating impressively wide streets and grand piazzas, which were more akin to Paris than ramshackle London. He had previously studied the street system in the French capital along with Rome and was excited about its potential.

Alas, his plan was not approved due to complex land ownership issues and limited funding - with London predominantly rebuilt over its existing footprint.

This engraving was published in 1767 as part of ‘A New Collection of Voyages, Discoveries and Travels’ by John Knox.

Medium: Engraving on paper

Overall size: 19½” x 14” / 50cm x 36cm

Year of creation: 1767

Provenance: England

Condition: Various signs of wear including some foxing and creasing.

Physical Dimensions

Height

36cm (14.17")

Width

50cm (19.69")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA866413

Description

This fascinating 18th-century engraving based upon Christopher Wren’s intriguing plan to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666.

Wren presented his ideas to Charles II shortly after the Fire had destroyed most of the City.

“

His ambitious vision involved creating impressively wide streets and grand piazzas, which were more akin to Paris than ramshackle London.

Brave Fine Art

He had previously studied the street system in the French capital along with Rome and was excited about its potential.

fig 1. Christopher Wren’s Plan For Rebuilding The City Of London, Antique Engraving — fig 1. Christopher Wren’s Plan for Rebuilding the City of London, Antique Engraving

Alas, his plan was not approved due to complex land ownership issues and limited funding - with London predominantly rebuilt over its existing footprint.

This engraving was published in 1767 as part of ‘A New Collection of Voyages, Discoveries and Travels’ by John Knox.

Medium: Engraving on paper

Overall size: 19½” x 14” / 50cm x 36cm

Year of creation: 1767