FDA-D.479-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.479-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
The College Kitchen, Eton
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Comments
The watercolour is a fascinating record of this group of buildings at around 1780. The College accounts reveal that the kitchen was extensively rebuilt around 1507-8, but subsequently hardly changed, and it retains its appearance today with its distinctive octagonal roof. The low building on the left is the old brewhouse, subsequently used as the Choir School, and following its closure as the College's gallery in 2006, is now used by the Admissions department. A stream used as a sluice by the kitchen runs under a small wooden bridge. The architectural details are enlivened by a group of boys riding (and taunting) a donkey, another carrying a kite, and an oversize Dr Keate-like figure in gown and tricorn hat walking in stately fashion over the bridge.
Eton boasts the second oldest working kitchen in England, where remnants of the original spits and fireplace survive amongst the modern ranges.
Eton boasts the second oldest working kitchen in England, where remnants of the original spits and fireplace survive amongst the modern ranges.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 209mm
width (actual size): 320mm
width (actual size): 320mm
Materials & techniques note
Pencil, pen and grey ink and watercolour within a black line border
Production
Person
Sandby, Paul, c.1731 - 1809 (Artist)
Date
c. 1780
History and association
Object history note
Exhibited: 'Views of Windsor and Eton by Paul Sandby', Eton College, c.2008-09
Previous ownership
Holderness, W.B.
George V, King of England, 1865 - 1936: Gift of his Majesty King George V from the Royal Collection
George V, King of England, 1865 - 1936: Gift of his Majesty King George V from the Royal Collection
References
• McConnell, J. (ed.), Treasures of Eton, London, 1976 (p. 100, no. 93)
• Willis, R., The Architectural History of the University of Cambridge and the Colleges of Cambridge and Eton, Cambridge, 1886 (I, opp. p. 316)
• Austen Leigh, R.A., Bygone Eton, Eton, 1906 (pl. IX)
• Christie's, A Genius for Watercolour; Watercolours from the Eton College Collection, exhibition catalogue, London, 2003 (p. 11, no. 2)
• Willis, R., The Architectural History of the University of Cambridge and the Colleges of Cambridge and Eton, Cambridge, 1886 (I, opp. p. 316)
• Austen Leigh, R.A., Bygone Eton, Eton, 1906 (pl. IX)
• Christie's, A Genius for Watercolour; Watercolours from the Eton College Collection, exhibition catalogue, London, 2003 (p. 11, no. 2)
