Queen Square, Bloomsbury, In 1789.

Queen Square, Bloomsbury, in 1789.

A fine print, aquatinted by Robert Dodd and engraved by Robert Pollard, after the original work by Edward Dayes; This View of Queen Square, published by Pollard in July of 1789.

Within a good replica of a correct eighteenth century print frame, ebonized moulding with a sanded gilt slip.

o.s: 26 inches x 21.75 inches

When first built, in around 1720, Queen Square was unique in having dwellings built on three sides and a view from the fourth, looking over the hills of Hampstead and Highgate. Between 1710 and 1716 Sir Nathaniel Curzon was granting building leases to speculative and private builders including one Edward Chapman, mason of St. Giles, John Raydell, glazier of St. Clement Danes, Thomas Barton carpenter of Covent Garden and William Waddell a plumber. A further two carpenters are listed amongst these builders; William Payne Mason and Jonas Kendrick.

There were several private gentlemen who bought plots for themselves to build upon, the finest and largest of the houses being taken for the occupation of Sir Nathaniel Curzon himself. Counted amongst the subsequent occupants of Curzon’s most impressive home was a Dr. Campbell who build for himself a significant reputation for literary scholarship although his works have not lasted the test off time. Dr. Johnson noted he was to become ‘the richest writer that ever grazed the common of literature’. Another resident of Curzon’s home was Martin Folkes, President of the Royal Society and of the Society of Antiquaries.

The view from the Square was lost from around 1785 when the governors of the Foundling Hospital sold the land that was preserving the vista and from then on street after street of houses grew up and the square ceased to be fashionable.

In 1820 a long time resident of Queen Square is recorded as stating that when she first came to the square 'she was the only lady who did not keep a carriage. Before I left I was the only one who did’.