A drawing of the external pulpit at Prato Cathedral, Tuscany, 28 June 1914

Gilbert Ledward RA (1888 - 1960)

RA Collection: Art

This pencil sketch shows the 15th-century pulpit by Michelozzo and Donatello on the exterior of Prato Cathedral, Tuscany.

It was made during Ledward's stay in Italy from 1913-1914. While studying at the Royal Academy Schools, he won the gold medal for sculpture as well as a scholarship to the British School at Rome. Ledward travelled to Italy at the end of 1913 and was joined by his wife, Margery, in May 1914. Between May and August they toured Italy together with Ledward recording many of the sights in his sketchbooks. The beginning of the First World War at the end of July and Britain's declaration of war on Germany on the 4th August hastened their return to London.