St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, Plans & Elevations, 1755

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St Bartholomew’s Hospital London, Plans & Elevations, Cole, c.1755 A highly detailed and architecturally significant mid-18th century copper engraving depicting … Read more St Bartholomew’s Hospital London, Plans & Elevations, Cole, c.1755 A highly detailed and architecturally significant mid-18th century copper engraving depicting St Bartholomew’s Hospital (Barts) in London, engraved by Benjamin Cole and published in William Maitland’s History and Survey of London (circa 1755). This refined plate presents both the South and East elevations alongside a comprehensive ground plan of the hospital complex, offering a rare insight into one of London’s most important medical institutions. The composition is elegantly structured in three sections. The upper and lower registers show the South and East “prospects” of the hospital, rendered with crisp architectural precision and classical symmetry. The central section contains a detailed plan of the building, illustrating the innovative pavilion-style layout designed to improve ventilation and patient care—an important development in 18th-century hospital architecture. The engraved text describes the internal arrangement, including wards for over 300 patients, administrative rooms, and circulation spaces. Flanking the plan are two finely engraved coats of arms: on the left, the arms of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and on the right, those of John Tuff, Esq., Treasurer of the institution, to whom the plate is dedicated. These decorative elements add a formal and ceremonial dimension to the print, reflecting the institutional pride and civic importance of the hospital. The design illustrated here is associated with the architect James Gibbs, whose reconstruction of the hospital began in 1729. The engraving serves both as documentation and celebration of this ambitious project, combining architectural clarity with decorative engraving of the highest quality. A fine example of Georgian topographical and architectural printmaking, this piece appeals to collectors of London views, medical history, and early architectural plans. Condition: Good antique condition with even age toning and light scattered foxing. Minor handling wear. The impression remains strong and well-defined. Framing tips: Particularly well suited to a museum-style presentation with a warm ivory mount and a classic gilt or dark wood frame. The symmetrical composition benefits from generous margins to emphasize its architectural clarity. Technique: Copper engraving Maker: Benjamin Cole, United Kingdom, circa 1755 See less