• Sir William Chambers (draughtsman)
• Sir William Chambers (architect)
• Frederick II, King of Prussia (client)

Design for a bridge in the Chinese style to be erected at Sanssouci

ca. 1763

- DR1981:0024 shows a design for what appears to be an ornamental footbridge. No dimensions are given and materials are not indicated, but the structure could not have been erected at a very large scale. The road bed consists of three sections: a central flat section supported on a broad flat arch; and two gently-sloped side sections, each supported on seven small, round-headed arches. The span of the bridge is braced between two sets of double piers. Each of these four piers carries an octagonal kiosk consisting of closed panels below and an open framework above. At the centre of the bridge rises a pavilion formed of sixteen columns on a rectangular plan (six columns on each of the two long sides) supporting a curved gable roof. Above the road bed, the superstructure is decorated with banners, lanterns, fretwork, and inscriptions, all in a style of Chinese derivation.

• dessin de présentation

Pen and black ink with watercolours over graphite

sheet: 31.4 x 46.8 cm

DR1981:0024

• rendering

• orthographic drawing (object)
• plan (drawing)
• elevation (drawing)

- Old fold [approx. 0.5 cm] right hand side of sheet with regularly spaced stitching holes from a previous binding. Also fold centre top to bottom.

inscribed - by a modern hand, in graphite, verso, l.l.: "Sir W. Chambers"

• architecture
• architecture de paysage