Designs in Architecture; consisting of Plans, Elevations and Sections for Temples, Baths, Cassines, Pavilions, Garden-Seats, Obelisks, and other Buildings

Issued shortly after he departed on his grand tour, following his gold medal winning studies at the Royal Academy, this volume is an historically significant and rare example of Regency architect John Soane's first publication which remained in print until 1826 with new title-pages issued as stocks of the old title-leaves were exhausted, in 1789, 1790 and 1797. Here he is still spelling his name ‘Soan’; he would add an ‘e’ in 1784 to distance himself from his humble origins as the son of a bricklayer. It would be another three years after its publication before Soane received his first commission, eventually becoming architect to the Bank of England and Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy. The engravings within this original 1778 volume display Soane’s early emphasis on open space, geometric patterns and restriction of ornament in his signature classicist style.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Large 8vo (270 x 190 mm). Letterpress title page and 23 engraved plates numbered I – XXIII. Title page showing surface wear, text still crisp and legible, age worn to corners and edges as expected. Stab stitched spine mostly holding. Internally each engraved plate is in good condition only, age toned as expected especially to edges, a little age spotted, some watermarking along top edges, drawings remaining clear and crisp throughout. A very pleasingly well preserved example of Soane’s first publication.