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Longleat House, Wiltshire
Drawing: probably R. Smythson
Source: RIBA British Architectural Library Drawings & Archives Collection

At first sight, this design seems relatively simple: a two-storied bay with Classical pilasters between which are large mullioned windows. What makes it more interesting is that this relates to Longleat House, the home of Sir John Thynne. Rebuilt after a fire in 1567, Longleat was the proto-type Elizabethan mansion, the first inside-out house. Spectacular glazing clothed the outside, the wall space kept to a minimum, with Renaissance details used in a quiet, yet assured manner.

What’s more, the artist is most probably Robert Smythson (c. 1535- 1614), the progenitor of many of the greatest Elizabethan houses. Dating from early in his career, the drawing reveals a growing appreciation of the Renaissance, and developing artistic skills. In this drawing, the Renaissance forms are only tentatively applied, as uncertain as the shadows produced.

As built, Longleat was three, not two, storeys high as shown here. Significantly, Longleat’s completed design was discussed when Burghley House was being planned, letters surviving between brothers-in-law Thynne and William Cecil. For Smythson, and his patrons, this was an important stage in their education, and of central importance to English architecture’s development.