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Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square
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Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square
3744533 Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum (Leicester Square, London) March 30, 1785 (w/c on paper) by Stone, Sarah (1760-1844); 34.5x39 cm; Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales; (add.info.: This watercolour was exhibited under this title at the Royal Academy, London, 1786 (cat. n. 535)
The watercolour of Sir Ashton Levers Museum depicts a rare interior view of one of Englands most notable late-eighteenth century private natural history museums displaying items collected on Cooks and other voyages to Australia and the Pacific.
This watercolour accords with contemporary descriptions of the Museum. The Reverend William Gilpin wrote to Mary Delany, 8 May 1786, " [Lever] has endeavoured to array his birds to the best advantage by placing them in white boxes round his rooms, and when you enter you are presented with a succession of rooms, still multiplied by a mirror at the end, everywhere invested with these little white appartments... He would say, I doubt not, that he spread a white ground behind his birds to show their colours more advantageously, but in that I think he is deceived. His rooms are so light that his birds would detach themselves from any ground..." see Lady Llanover ed. " The autobiography and correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs Delany", 1861-62, vol. II, p.349.); Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales; English, out of copyright
Media ID 23619780
© Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales / Bridgeman Images
Artefacts Artifacts Cabinet Of Curiosities Cabinets Captain Cook Cases Collection Display Elephant Endeavour Enlightenment Exhibit Exhibits Gallery Leicester Square Navigation Perspective Species Specimens Stuffed Taxidermy Taxonomy Vitrines Sir Ashton Lever
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The watercolour print titled "Perspective (interior) view of Sir Ashton Levers Museum" offers a captivating glimpse into one of England's most remarkable private natural history museums. Painted by Sarah Stone in 1785, this artwork showcases the museum located in Leicester Square, London. The museum was renowned for its extensive collection of items gathered from Captain Cook's voyages to Australia and the Pacific. Stone's depiction accurately reflects contemporary descriptions of the museum. Reverend William Gilpin described how Sir Ashton Lever arranged his birds in white boxes around each room, creating a stunning visual display that seemed to multiply through mirrors at every turn. However, Gilpin questioned whether the white background truly enhanced the vibrant colors of the birds or if they would have stood out regardless due to the well-lit rooms. This particular watercolour was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1786 under this very title and catalog number 535. It is now housed at Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. Through Stone's artistry, viewers are transported back to a time when exploration and discovery fueled curiosity about nature and distant lands. This print serves as a testament to Sir Ashton Lever's passion for collecting and showcasing rare specimens, offering us an intriguing window into England's rich natural history during the late eighteenth century.
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