London and Westminster Improved, Illustrated by Plans. To which is prefixed, A Discourse on Publick Magnificence; With Observations on the State of Arts and Artists in this Kingdom, wherein the study of the Polite Arts is recommended as necessary to a liberal Education: Concluded by Some Proposals relative to Places not laid down in the Plans. By John Gwynn.
RA Collection: Book
Record number
03/2604
Author
Variant Title
Plan for rebuilding the city of London after the great fire
Imprint
London:: Printed for the Author. Sold by Mr Dodsley, and at Mr Dalton's Print-Warehouse in Pall-Mall, Mr. Bathoe in the Strand, Mr. Davies in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden, and by Mr. Longman in Pater-noster-Row., MDCCLXVI.
Physical Description
xv, [1], 132 p., 4 pl. (folding); 266 mm (Quarto).
Contents
[T.p., dedic.] - Preface - Contents - Introduction - Errata - A Discourse on Publick Magnificence - Observations on the State of Arts and Artists in Great-Britain - Explanation Of The Plates - Some Observations upon, and Proposals relating to, Places which are not laid down in the Plans; Omissions - [Plates].
Responsibility Note
No plate is signed.
The work is dedicated by the author to the King (George III). According to Boswell, the dedication was composed by Samuel Johnson.
The work is dedicated by the author to the King (George III). According to Boswell, the dedication was composed by Samuel Johnson.
References
ESTC, T138431
Royal Institute of British Architects, British Architectural Library ... Early printed books, 2 (1995), no. 1416, p.755-6.
E. Harris and N. Savage, British Architectural Books (1990), p.214-7.
The context of Gwynn's essay is described in G.E. Mingay, Georgian London (1975).
H. Philips, Mid-Georgian London (1964).
D.J. Olsen, Town planning in London (1964, rev2/1982).
J. Summerson, Georgian London (1945, rev. 1988).
;;; I. Bignamini, 'Art institutions in London, 1689-1768', in Walpole Soc., 54 (1988), p.19-148.
Royal Institute of British Architects, British Architectural Library ... Early printed books, 2 (1995), no. 1416, p.755-6.
E. Harris and N. Savage, British Architectural Books (1990), p.214-7.
The context of Gwynn's essay is described in G.E. Mingay, Georgian London (1975).
H. Philips, Mid-Georgian London (1964).
D.J. Olsen, Town planning in London (1964, rev2/1982).
J. Summerson, Georgian London (1945, rev. 1988).
;;; I. Bignamini, 'Art institutions in London, 1689-1768', in Walpole Soc., 54 (1988), p.19-148.
Summary Note
Gwynn here calls for the commissioning of public works from British artists, and integrated planning for the British capital. His proposals and maps foreshadow such developments as Regent Street, Waterloo Bridge, the Thames Embankment and Trafalgar Square.
The plates are maps. In some copies (including that of the Royal Academy) they are hand-coloured.
John Gwynn was always eager to enhance the status of British artists and architects. In 1749 he had published An Essay on Design, including Proposals for erecting a Public Academy and in 1755 had taken part in the unsuccessful attempt to establish a Royal Academy of London for the improvement of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Since 1760 he had been an exhibitor at the Society of Artists of Great Britain. Two years after publishing the present work he would become a foundation Member of the Royal Academy, with whom he would exhibit annually from 1769 to 1772.
The plates are maps. In some copies (including that of the Royal Academy) they are hand-coloured.
John Gwynn was always eager to enhance the status of British artists and architects. In 1749 he had published An Essay on Design, including Proposals for erecting a Public Academy and in 1755 had taken part in the unsuccessful attempt to establish a Royal Academy of London for the improvement of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Since 1760 he had been an exhibitor at the Society of Artists of Great Britain. Two years after publishing the present work he would become a foundation Member of the Royal Academy, with whom he would exhibit annually from 1769 to 1772.
Reproductions
An electronic reproduction was published in 2003 (Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale). A microfilm version was published in 1986 (Woodbridge, CT: Research Publications). A reprint was published in 1969 (Farnborough: Gregg) (ISBN 0576153605).
Provenance
Presented to the Academy by the author before 20 May 1769 (RAA, CIM 23); inscribed in ink on the front endpaper, 'Given by John Gwynn RA the author'.
Copy Note
An additional unnumbered plate serves as a frontispiece, entitled, 'A plan for rebuilding the city of London after the Great Fire in 1666, designed by ... Christopher Wren'. This had been published separately in 1749; it is signed as drawn by Gwynn and engraved by E. Rooker.
Binding Note
Contemporary calf, upper and lower covers having single-line gilt borders; rebacked in 1996 by James Brockman, retaining original red morocco spine-label lettered 'London & Westmin Improve'.
Subject
City planning - Patronage - Arts and society - Art and state - Sponsorship - Government Policy - Art commissions - Maps - Great Britain - London - History - 18th century
Essays - Maps - Great Britain - 18th century
Pictorial works - Hand coloring - Great Britain - 18th century
Essays - Maps - Great Britain - 18th century
Pictorial works - Hand coloring - Great Britain - 18th century
Contributors
George III King of Great Britain, dedicatee
James Dodsley, bookseller
Richard Dalton, bookseller
Edward Rooker, engraver
William Bathoe, bookseller
Thomas Davies, bookseller
Thomas Longman, bookseller
Samuel Johnson
John Gwynn RA, draughtsman
James Brockman, binder
James Dodsley, bookseller
Richard Dalton, bookseller
Edward Rooker, engraver
William Bathoe, bookseller
Thomas Davies, bookseller
Thomas Longman, bookseller
Samuel Johnson
John Gwynn RA, draughtsman
James Brockman, binder
Images from this book
5 results
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![John Gwynn RA, Christopher Wren's plan for rebuilding the city of London after the Great Fire of 1666]()
John Gwynn RA
Christopher Wren's plan for rebuilding the city of London after the Great Fire of 1666, 1766
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![John Gwynn RA, A plan of Hyde-Park with the city and the Liberties of Westminister]()
John Gwynn RA
A plan of Hyde-Park with the city and the Liberties of Westminister
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![John Gwynn RA, A plan of Hyde-Park with the city and the Liberties of Westminister]()
John Gwynn RA
A plan of Hyde-Park with the city and the Liberties of Westminister
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![John Gwynn RA, Part of London shewing the improvements propos'd about the Mansion-House, Royal Exchange, Moorfields &c.]()
John Gwynn RA
Part of London shewing the improvements propos'd about the Mansion-House, Royal Exchange, Moorfields &c.
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![John Gwynn RA, Map showing London Bridge, the Custom House, and the Tower of London]()
John Gwynn RA
Map showing London Bridge, the Custom House, and the Tower of London
