25/06/2024
On 15th August 1799, a proposal was put forward to build a National Naval Monument to commemorate the British naval victories and heroes of the French Wars. The Treasury issued an invitation and ‘artists of every description [were] hereby solicited to offer Designs for this purpose’. Tatham submitted three designs. A variety of schemes were put forward, from simple columns to statues, vast monuments and mausolea, and a variety of locations suggested. There was much disagreement over what form the monument should take and where it should be situated; and this, in addition to insufficient funds and the collapse of Pitt’s government in 1801, resulted in the scheme being shelved, and the monies raised being returned. Having heard nothing by 1802, Tatham published his three designs, dedicating them to the Earl of Carlisle, for whom he had designed interiors . The present drawing is the most finished of his designs, while others are held
Eventually, in February 1838, space was made available outside the National Gallery, London, which led to Nelson’s Column, as designed by William Railton (1800-1877), being completed in 1843.
We are excited to be including this work in 500 Years of Drawing, the works on paper exhibition being organised by
28 June - 5 July 9 Cork St, London
CHARLES HEATHCOTE TATHAM (LONDON, 1772-1842)
DESIGN FOR A NAVAL MONUMENT (FOR LONDON)
Signed with monogram and dated ‘February 3. 1800.’ (lower left); annotated with scale (lower right); and with extensive inscription (left hand side).
Pencil, pen and grey ink, grey, brown and blue wash
20 1/2 x 12 5/8 in
52 x 32 cm
