Original Designs of Temples
Category: Preserve for the Future
Location: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Library
Original designs of temples : and other ornamental buildings for parks and gardens, in the Greek, Roman, and Gothic taste
This is one of the many architectural pattern books in the Cooper Hewitt Library from the collections of the Museum's founders, the Hewitt Sisters. The Neoclassical architectural style, inspired by classical antiquity, began in the mid-18th century and continued throughout Europe and America, along with other architectural ”neo” and revival styles. Landscape architects utilized the natural landscape with structures specially built, such as follies and temples, for recreational and decorative purposes to create scenic vistas. Thomas Overton published his first landscape buildings designs in this 1766 title, which was also known as The Temple Builder's Most Useful Companion. Architecture in landscape design became increasingly popular, which led Overton to release 50 more designs in 1774.
This book is mid 18th century with half leather and marbled paper binding. The boards are detached and the leather on several corners is brittle and detaching. There is a tear on plate 1. Conservators will re-attach the boards and repair the tear to the plate using Japanese paper and reversible wheat starch paste. A custom double tray box will be created to house this fragile item.
Discover more about this book in our Catalog.
