Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from Research Library, The Getty Research Institute http://www.archive.org/details/sketchesinarchitOOdear SKETCHES IN ARCHITECTURES CONSISTING OF iSrtginal Bestgns FOR COTTAGES AND RURAL DWELLINGS, SUITABLE TO PERSONS OF MODERATE FORTUNE, AND FOR CONJENIENT RETIREMENT ; PLANS AND APPROPRIATE SCENERY TO EACH. ON TWENTY PLATES: WITH SOME GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. By T. D. W. DEARN, ARCHITECT TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. LONDON:- PUBLISHED BY J. TAYLOR, AT THE ARCHITECTURAL LIBRARY, No. 59, High Hollorn. 1807. Printed bv COX, SON and BAYUS, Grtal iiuun Sliett. PREFACE. In submitting this Second Part of my Sketches in Architec- ture to the Public, I cannot refrain from expressing the pleasure I have experienced, in the commendations bestowed on the for- mer Part, by those persons whom it has been my study more especially to please ; nor can I neglect this opportunity of return- ing them my best thanks for so kind a patronage. The motives which first prompted me to venture a candidate for public fame still continue to operate; they are such as stand in need of but little apology, and having been sufficiently ex- plained before, require no repetition at this time. With respect to the designs in the former Book, it may be recollected, that I can- didly acknowledged one objection to which they were liable, namely, that, for the most part, they were not objects of general interest : yet if this was all which could be urged against them, I trust I shall stand excused in having once sacrificed at the shrine of ambition, desirous of obtaining a favourable reception for what I might afterwards be induced to offer. To this end, the Plates IV IX., XIV., and XVI., were particularly composed, not with the smallest idea of their ever being carried into execution, but as they might, in some measure, contribute to my views. The public ap- probation of the design on Plate XIV. I did with some reason an- ticipate, as when it was submitted to the consideration of the Council of the Royal Academy, in 1/98, they were pleased to de- clare their approbation in the most unqualified manner ; and in a note from the late Mr. Wilton, Keeper of the Academy, he ex- pressed himself happy in the opportunity of congratulating me on this circumstance. In my former publication I was solicitous to exhibit such designs as were best calculated to secure me some pro- fessional reputation with an enlightened public, and that the whole should do me credit : yet the disadvantage I then laboured under and the hurry that attended the execution of the letter-press, were circumstances little favourable to my wishes ; and when I assert, that it was not until the whole of the introductory matter was printed off, that I had an opportunity of seeing it together, it may account for certain failures which the prying eye of criticism may discover. In the present instance it has been my endeavour to render the work beneficial to others rather than honourable to myself, by choosing subjects which, though generally interesting, yet preclude the possibility of displaying much architectural knowledge or ac- qualntance with the sciences. It has been attempted in these de- signs for dwelhngs to unite the two grand essentials, convenience and economy^ and if these points are attained, much is effected. It was my intention to have furnished correct and detailed esti- mates of each, but I have been dissuaded; and well knowing the jealousy and suspicion with which such calculations are common- ly received, my intention has been given lip without much reluc- tance. The great difference between the real cost and the estimates usually provided on occasions of this nature, has long been se- riously complained of. Whether this has proceeded from inatten- tion, ignorance, or design, is not here my province to inquire, the effect being the same, either as it affects the resources of the employer or the reputation of the employed. The apprehensions naturally excited by the frequent occurrence of such circumstances, has operated, no doubt, much to the injury of the profession ; and the odium thence arising, like a noxious vapour, has alighted as well on the innocent as on the guilty. Let it not be supposed that I mean to make professions of more than common honesty, or boast superior attainments and unusual assiduity ; yet I conceive it a duty I owe to myself to declare, that knowingly I would not be guilty of such mal-practices, and that I have sufficient diffidence of my own abilities, to appreciate justly the assistance which may VI be derived from a communication with others in cases of difficulty. It is found, that in proportion as professions are enlarged, incre- dulity gains ground, and that professions merely, without any re- ference to the persons by whom they are made, carry with them but little conviction. Before much validity can attach, it is neces- sary, either that our characters are unexceptionable and well known, or that some obligation is annexed, in the observance of which our interest is materially concerned. The most convincing of all arguments then, and which most effectually gives weight to what we profess, is, that our immediate interest enjoins the necessity of acting up to our duty ; and he who would look for any stronger motive, is but little acquainted with the nature of man. Among the Greeks, according to Vitruvius, a law existed, that if an architect undertook a work, and it amounted to more than the calculation he had made, he should be obliged to make good the deficiency out of his own estate. The propriety of this law will hardly be questioned ; and if such an one were in force among ourselves, my opinion is, the profession of architecture would suffer but little, at the same time, much public advantage would result from it. There are some cases, it must be admitted, in which ac- curate estimates cannot be expected, I mean of repairs : but I have no hesitation in saying, that they might in general be much nearer the truth than we usually find them. For my own part, if called Vll upon to execute any of the following designs, or, indeed, any other, I would as willingly contract for the building as be employed in the usual way, because I conceive it the more satisfactory mode of doing business : and were I even to sustain a loss by such an engagement, I should be compelled to acknowledge that it had fallen where jus- tice pointed ; for it cannot be considered just, that he who is pay* ing for the judgment of another, should suffer the ill consequences of an erroneous opinio?i, or, it may be, wa?tt of principle. I shall only add, and I solicit pardon for the egotism, that those who may be disposed to honor me with their notice, and call for the exercise of my professional talents, will, I trust, have no occasion to repent the election made in my favour. Charles Street, Cavendish Square, 1807. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES. PLATE I. DESIGN FOR TWO SMALL DWELLINGS OR COTTAGES. This simple building, intended for persons of small independence, to whom retirement is become desirable, has little to boast but a characteristic sim- plicity. The man of business, whose days have been spent among the busy scenes of life, without the attainment of affluence yet not entirely destitute of success, may here, free from the noise and bustle to which he has hitherto been accustomed, enjoy the fruits of his industry, unalloyed by those anxious cares and solicitudes in- separable from business. To such, however, a total seclusion, or even such a re- tirement as, for the most part, attaches to a country residence, is but little calcu- lated to produce that ease and enjoyment to which his hopes and wishes have point- ed, or realize those flattering scenes of happiness which have been wont to cheer the spirits and animate his exertions among the busy sons of men. B To the fallacious reasonings and conclusions of men of business on this sub- ject, I have frequently been a witness ; but is it matter of surprise, that men, whose occupations and pursuits have been diametrically opposite to those which engage the attention, and make up the sum of rural life, should, on this point, form errone- ous conclusions, and picture to themselves a state of happiness in the country, to which their past habits, and indeed the very nature of things, are equally averse ? Yet let it not be inferred, that the man of business is incapable of enjoying those pleasures which the country affords, and which are peculiarly its own, as this is by no means what I would insinuate ; but the misfortune is, that such persons are apt to form their opinions of rural life upon the enthusiastic and enraptured representa- tions of the poets, rather than from a knowledge of human nature, and feeling too severely the disappointment, not unfrequently become insensible to its real plea- sures. To pass at once from one extreme to the other, is seldom known to pro- duce much lasting good ; it therefore happens, that those who have been in the ha- bit of associating with the many, will hardly be satisfied with the scanty society they may meet with in their retirement, and with whose persons, manners, and opinions, there can be but little acquaintance : to remedy, in some measure, this objection, it has been my object, in this design, to afford the proprietor an opportunity of se- lecting a neighbour and associate ; some companion of his former life, in whose society, from a congeniality of disposition, he may find an agreeable solace for his declining years. This building is proposed to be thatched, the fronts rough cast on brick, tinted light yellow ; the rustic columns to the porch in their rough state, with the bark on, which can be preserved for almost any length of time, by a proper varnish. The plinth and steps of stone, also the window cills, and the whole of the internal fittings plain and neat. PLATE II. SKETCH FOR AN ORNAMENTAL COTTAGE FOR A PARK OR GROUNDS. This design, intended to answer several purposes, independent of being an object for the improvement of park scenery, contains, besides sufficient accommo- dation for a bailiff and his wife, a dairy, over which is a cheese-store, and a tea- room for the occasional accommodation of the family and friends during the summer, which, if furnished with a small library, would be an inviting retreat. The sashes being down to the floor in this room makes an entrance from the porch, and ren- ders it easily accessible and convenient. It would be the business of the bailiff's wife, in addition to the management of the dairy, to attend the tea-room visitors, and for this purpose, principally, a communication has been preserved with the rest of the building. If the chicken- house and poultry-yard adjoined, it would eminently unite the ictile et duke. This cottage should be rough cast, either on brick or laths, and coloured a light yellow. PLATE III. DESIGN FOR TWO COTTAGES FOR LABOURERS, AS AN ENTRANCE TO A FARE OR GROUNDS. Few words are sufficient to point out the utility of buildings of this kind, and display their recommendations to gentlemen of landed property. They unite in an eminent degree the double purposes of embellishment and use, and the terms on which those advantages are to be obtained are such, as even prudence must ap- prove. In my opinion, there is no kind of building more entitled to notice, and with those who have been principally employed in agricultural pursuits it will be al- lowed to possess a claim, of which the world in common are ignorant. In general, the cottages of labourers are situated almost beyond the reach of inspection, and the evils which thence arise are too extended to be easily esti- mated. From the experience I have had of ^he depravity of this class of men, I can say, that I never yet found one, who came up to the standard fixed in my own mind ; and which I hope has not been placed higher than the natural imperfection of our nature will warrant. It is not that I feel pleasure in making these observa- tions ; but I think, for the general good of society, the common failings of these men cannot be too much exposed, and I feci it a duty, since the subject thus occurs, not to withhold my opinion. Experience teaches, that there are none more liberally endued with low cunning, and I will add, none possessing a more predatory dis- position, than farmers' servants : it, therefore, is of the utmost importance, to place them where their conduct will be most liable to observation ; and the situa- tion liere suggested for their residence is, of all others, best calculated to meet the end in view. The materials for this building, should be of the simplest kind, and the whole expense can be but a trifle. PLATE IV. DESIGN FOR A COTTAGE ORnIe I have called this a cottage, but whether properly or not, I shall not decide at this time, partly from a wish to avail myself of the opinion of others, but princi- pally, for the reasons assigned in describing the seventh Plate, namely, my pro- posed discussion of the subject at some future period. In times like the present, when many sacrifices must be made and many priva- tions endured ; economy becomes a study, even to affluence. There are many who, without the most rigid attention, must stoop from that happy state of indepen- dence in which their lives have hitherto been passed, and depend for daily food on their daily exertions. That this species of building should, from the peculiar cir- cumstances of the times, become an object of general attention, may reasonably be expected ; and, under the sanction of fashion, we have seen royalty itself be come the inmate and inhabitant of a cottage. Throughout this work, frugality and economy have particularly been aimed at, and the author hopes, for his own credit and the good of others, that he has not altogether failed in his endeavour. 6 PLATE V. DESIGN FOR A SMALL RESIDENCE. This box, thougli possessing a more slender claim to novelty than any other design in the work, embraces many conveniences, and is well calculated for the vi- cinity of the metropolis. The domestic offices are confined to the basement, and the one-pair story will comprise the same number of rooms as the ground floor. This building may be faced either with Parker's composition or the best malm stocks, the roof slated, and the sashes wainscot, varnished. If brick is used for the facing, the reveals should be stuccoed. PLATE VL DESIGN FOR A SMALL RESIDENCE IN THE FLORID GOTHIC STYLE. This is proposed for the accommodation of a nobleman's steward, and intend- ed as well for shew as for use. If placed in a suitable situation, it would become an object of no inconsiderable interest ; but attention will be required neither to expose nor obscure it too much. A partial view of the upper parts of the building must, at all events, be preserved from the most general points of sight. It should be built of stone, but the ornamental parts may be of stucco or artificial stone; indeed, the latter is to be preferred, as well for duration as expense. PLATE VII. DESIGN FOR A COTTAGE. As I propose offering to the Public an Essay on Cottage Architecture, as soon as opportunity will admit, I shall forbear saying much on that subject at pre- sent, and confine myself principally to such remarks as have immediate refe- rence to the design before us. Of the present sketch it may truly be said, its outline has little variety and no claim to originality. This I willingly admit ; but, if to a familiar form I have given additional expression and interest, by means appropriate and consistent, as much perhaps has been effected as could reasonably be expected, and the claim to originality is, in my opinion, as much achieved as the present improved state of the art will allow. The component parts of architecture may, with much propriety, be com- pared to the letters of the alphabet, and I should think that man's time misem- ployed, who should propose to add to the one or to the other. These parts as handed down to us, stamped with the peculiarities of preceding times, are cer- tainly of themselves sufficient for the various purposes of utility and beauty, and he who cannot, from this endless variety, produce a consistent composition posses- sing some claim to originality, knows but little of his art. In this design I have gone as far as the nature of the subject would admit, without injury to its character; but, for the reason above stated, I decline further discussion for the present. It Is proposed to face this elevation with Parker's composition on brick ; the roof slated ; the trellis-work of wrought iron, painted dark green ; the casements wainscot varnished, as also the door. On the chamber floor are three lodging rooms and two large closets, the plan being the same as the ground floor; but, if needful, the room over the kitchen may be divided, thus making an additional sleeping room. The Plan is on Plate VIII. 8 PLATES VIII and IX. DESIGN FOR TWO DWELLINGS TO SHEW AS ONE BUILDING. Wliat has been observed on describing thefirst Plate is applicable to the pre- sent plan, as they both originated under the same impression. Not that the ad- vantages of such an arrangement are confined to the man of business, or in short to any particular class of men, but merely that they are more especially calculated for those who possess only a moderate independence. To sedentary and studious persons such an union is particularly advisable, as the opportunity which it afibrds of a ready communication of thought, while it tends to their mutual advantage, will no less contribute to their comforts. Should it be required, this plan may, with peculiar advantage, be converted into a single dwelling. From the circumstance of the rooms being principally on the ground floor, opportunity is afforded for those numberless conveniencies so necessary to the purposes of domestic economy. I should recommend to stucco the fronts on brick with Parker's cement; the roof to be slated, and the pilasters either wainscot or deal ; if the latter, to be grained wainscot, also the outer door; or else painted dark green, and the mould- ing pricked in black. § PLATES X, XI, and XII. DESIGNS FOR A VILLA. These two elevations, of totally dissimilar characters, are applicable to the same plan, and may each have their admirers; one lays claim to an appearance tout ^ fait riant, the other to a more sober and dignified aspect. This observation, though a little outre, is not unworthy the consideration of those who are about to build, or those whose business it is to design : for, notwithstanding situation be considered the principal object which claims attention in designing, yet there are circum- stances which should sometimes render situation only a secondary consequence in the mind of the architect; some purposes requiring one invariable stamp, wholly unconnected with and uninfluenced by situation. The latter of these designs, appropriate for a rectory or vicarage-house, is precisely of the kind here alluded to, and it is presumed, in reference to Its ap- propriation, is sufficiently consistent and characteristic. The other I conceive to be better calculated to meet the public taste, and from Its size and conveniencles Is well adapted to be a retreat for the merchant and man of business. 10 PLATES XIII and XIV. DESIGNS FOR A FARM HOUSE. This design, which, it must be confessed, bears but little similitude to buildings of this kind in common, is proposed for persons farming their own estate, and the internal arrangements have been planned in compliance with the recom- mendations contained in the first volume of the Reports of the Board of Agri- culture. It is justly observed, that where profit, more than amusement, is the aim of agricultural pursuits, the eye of the master cannot be too vigilant over the conduct of his servants. This observation is not confined to their out-door occu- pations, but is, perhaps, more applicable to domestic concerns. Certainly no set of people are more liberally gifted with low cunning than farmers' servants, espe- cially the male part, and to guard against its ill effects will require no small share of patience and attention. Aware of this fact, and convinced of the necessity of tTiore than common attention, as a circumstance which in its consequences may seriously concern the community at large, the worthy President, as well as some of the first correspondents to this meritorious Institution, have recommended that the common sitting-room in a farm house should be so situated as to com- mand, if possible, the whole of the domestic offices. By this means, the ser- vants, persuaded that a watchful eye is always upon them, will be more cir- cumspect in their conduct, and this judicious restraint will naturally give rise to a line of conduct, eminently beneficial to individuals, and no doubt productive of much general advantage. It will perhaps be objected, that this open mani- festation of distrust will excite dissatisfaction, and serve rather to provoke that 11 disposition which It is intended to correct : but this objection will be found to have little weight, and can hold but for a time, while those of upright conduct, who really have the interest of their employer at heart (and some such, I doubt not, are to be found) must be pleased with an arrangement, which may afford their master an opportunity of being assured of their fidelity. Again, the un- ceasing vigilance which, under other circumstances, would be absolutely requi- site, may, in such case, be dispensed with, and thus the situation of the employer become less irksome and unpleasant. If this design should be proposed to be built in a situation where stone could be procured for little more cost than the digging, it would be adviseable to use it for the facing at least ; but, if this be not the case, an admirable substitute will be found in the composition I have before spoken of, and which, if properly used, will prove nearly equal to stone in point of duration. If the latter is resorted to, the courses should be described and tinted. 12 PLATES XV and XVI. DESIGNS FOR- A COTTAGE. Tlie avidity with which novelty is sought after by the generality of mankind, lias no doubt given rise to those numberless caprices and absurdities, against which the efforts of the critic and the splenetic have alternately, but uselessly, been direct- ed ; for, whether it has been attempted to shame the authors of them, or those by whom they have been encouraged, certain it is, that the same success has invaria- bly attended their endeavours ; and time alone must effect that, which neither sa- tire nor argument can accomplish. To censure those, whose attention is occupied in providing food for any common folly, can be of little use, while encouragement keeps pace with their exertions ; and to Induce a single individual only, to forego a favourite idea, while fashion and custom are on his side, by an attempt to convince him that he is wrong, will be found a task equally unthankful and unprofitable. This insatiable appetite for novelty, which characterizes the present times, is not confined to common matters of dress or equipage, but the conduct of the man of science, as well as that of the mechanic, isalike guided by its influence. The artist, therefore, compelled to deviate from the regular path of his profession, in or- der to meet encouragement, must stand excused ; and, should any of the sketches now offered to the public be censured as extravagant and capricious, no other vindi- cation is conceived necessary, than what is offered in the preceding observations. In compliance with the fashion of the day, this design has been composed, liable, perhaps, to the objections above alluded to, yet M'ell calculated for pictu- resque effect, and for the purposes of rural retirement. PLATE XVII. DESIGN FOR A RURAL DWELLING. In this design nothing has been sacrificed to appearances, the whole atten- tion having been directed to the internal arrangement, which is such as, it is hoped, will be approved. This kind of building well deserves the attention of the econo- mist, as the various family accommodations being given on one floor, a considerable reduction in the expense is by this means effected. The duty on windows is an object of so much importance to those possessed of small means, that it should not be lost sight of, and a superfluity of light has therefore been studiously avoided. This building may be either thatched or slated, but the latter will generally be found cheapest in the end. The Plan is on Plate XVIII. 14 PLATES XVIII, XIX, and XX. DESIGNS FOE J, VILLA IN THE COTTAGE STYLE. The magnitude of this building may render the title I have given it liable to ob- jection, were it not proposed to conceal part by shrubbery, and with this qualifica- tion it may perhaps be allowed to pass ; but, were more conveniencies required than are here shewn, cither for the accommodation of a large family or for a person of superior fortune, it must of necessity assume another form, and the idea of a cot- tage be wholly given up. This point adjusted, the next for consideration, and which should not be de- termined on without seriously weighing the advantages and disadvantages, even in cases where very little latitude is allowed for choice, is situation, not merely as re- lative to the style of architecture, which may already have been decided on, but as it may ultimately concern the health, convenience, and comfort of the proprie- tor. It is hardly necessary to observe, that some situations are more remarkable for their salubrity than others, and the causes of this difference are, in general, as clearly ascertained as their effects. That two situations, remote from each other, should possess this difference, can excite no surprise, but it is well known to those who have, in any degree, made this subject their study, that a very material varia- tion frequently exists on the same estate, and that while one spot is comparatively healthy, another, nearly adjoining, shall possess an unusual tendency to putridity. How this fact is best ascertained, I propose to consider in the Essay 1 have promised as well as many other points immediately connected with the subject. 15 In the Plans now laid before the Public, it has been my endeavour to furnish a series of designs, which should meet the taste of others without discrediting my own ; and by presenting a selection of Plans and Elevations, in which economy forms a prominent feature, and not beyond the reach of persons in moderate cir- cumstances, to render them extensively useful, and applicable to the purposes of genteel life. FINIS. Printed ly Cox, Sok, «7i .6 . ^v. j;3. ^ i<). frr.73 ,tf ftzrlor LmI 2f . tf . d»' . ;y . tf r^ .J PL-iTE Vm. ^/'r7^^y_ '^Z'^ Ar^M/. J^. ' I I l-^i I I l-''l I I I I" Umbn.riibKs/ied fy J. rqrhr. Sff.O^h B>!bom . TLATE X . 'yr-en/^ ay f^/fr'A I I I I P I I T.omlon.Tubbhed br J. Tayler. 39, lUalt BoUwm . I 4^^:^f\:] i^ FLATE sni -U-r^^^ia^ fj>^^. '■^rt^. <£^^'/ly v4^ m. ■/■e .^4. I I I I I-"! 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