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The famous terracotta entrance hall to the Natural History Museum is immediately recognisable from this watercolour by the building's architect, Alfred Waterhouse. In his early days Waterhouse had wanted to be an artist, an interest which is reflected in the skilfulness of this painting.  

The museum was built on the site of the International Exhibition of 1862, and initially its architect was to be Francis Fowke, the designer of the building to be replaced. The choice of Fowke caused a bit of a stir, being an engineer rather than an architect, and also his 1862 Exhibition had not proved to be very popular.

Fowke died unexpectedly in 1865, but rather than turning to the popular runner up in the competition, Robert Kerr, the Commissioners decided to continue with Fowke's design but to use Alfred Waterhouse, a rising star from Manchester, to complete it.  

At first Waterhouse simply revised Fowke's design, but with a change in government in 1866 he was given greater licence to make changes, and effectively designed a new building.

Bucking the current trend of adopting the Gothic style, Waterhouse opted for German Romanesque with its rounded arches. The building is entered via a magisterial staircase and cathedral like portal, a theme which is continued in the grand entrance hall which resembles a large church nave.