I
ORCHESTRATION
Research questions
What was the role of the architect in the orchestration of the finely jointed and tooled elevations of eighteenth- century classical buildings and how did they acquire knowledge of materials and craftsmanship? Without the aid of knowledgeable and influential master masons and measurers, could architects have compiled the detailed and legally binding specifications for the masonry of large and complex buildings and ensured the requisite supply of materials? How was communication conducted and managed between stone cutter, mason, carver, and architect?
Image: Preliminary design for the paving of the nave of St Paul’s Cathedral, drawn by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Grey, blue, and yellow washes over pencil. Annotated and dimensioned in pen and ink. 452 x 589 mm.
Inscriptions: 39 is the distance from the midle / of the Nef to ye midle of the Isle (aile) (below plan); Plymo[uth], Yellow Purbeck, Sweed, Black (on plan).