The Vintage drawings found in this collection are from a bound work from the late seventeenth century.  It contains commentary and prints from engravings of five of Britain’s most venerable houses of worship.

Exeter Cathedral
Abbey Church at Bath
Cathedral Church of Durham
Abbey Church of St. Alban
Collegiate Chapel of St. Stephen

Each structure is documented by ten to twenty plates including plan views, elevations, transverse sections and details.  It is marvelous to examine an architectural feature found on an elevation and then study a detail of that very element on an accompanying detail sheet.  Or for example, study the 17th century clock detailed on Image 5.02.010 of the Exeter Cathedral and find it in the upper left corner of the transverse section Image 5.02.006.

The architect, John Carter, designed almost 30 Gothic structures between 1775-1778.  He was the co-author of The Builder’s Magazine published in 1774.  Carter is heralded as one of the finest students of design of the period.

The engraver, James Basire, was an English print maker from 1730-1802.  He is one of three generations of engravers and engraver to the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries.