Pupil at work in Dulwich Mausoleum

Pupil at work in Dulwich Mausoleum Vol. 81/23

Soane’s pupils were sometimes sent out (usually on foot) to see the buildings being built and make drawings to record the progress of the work. This also helped the pupils learn about design, construction and the play of light in a building. This drawing was made in 1812. Note that the pupil has made a bench and drawing table out of two planks on a trestle. He has even covered the bench with his hankerchief to protect his white trousers.

They had instructions to study the contrast between the dark mausoleum and the light of the Gallery carefully. At this stage the building was unfinished - the bare brick is still to be plastered and decorated. Dulwich Picture Gallery was designed by Soane between 1811 and 1817 and is one of the earliest and most important purpose-built art galleries in the world. It still has the collection of paintings it was designed to house.