Study for Court of Common Pleas, Westminster Hall, from Microcosm of London 1807

Augustus Charles Pugin made this preparatory drawing of the Court of Common Pleas in Westminster Hall as part of his ‘Microcosm of London’ project, employing ink and watercolor on paper. The linear quality of the ink work is striking. Pugin skillfully uses the pen to define the architectural space of the courtroom, from the ornate details of the ceiling to the sturdy structure of the judge’s bench. We can feel the weight and volume of the architecture with the shading of the watercolor, which softens the austerity of the architectural drawing, and creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. While Pugin himself was an accomplished draughtsman, the ‘Microcosm’ project was a collaborative affair, involving not only his own skill but also that of engravers and printers. This division of labor, typical of industrial production, allowed for the wide dissemination of images, shaping public perception of architecture and society. This reminds us that even seemingly straightforward drawings are the product of complex social and economic relationships.