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Object Timeline

2012

2013

  • We acquired this object.

2024

  • You found it!

Sudbury Hall Architectural Model

This is a Architectural model. It is dated ca. 1660–90 and we acquired it in 2013. Its medium is stained pine. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

While the precise purpose of this model is undocumented, it may be a working model for Sudbury Hall, an English country house built over a period of nearly 30 years. Sudbury Hall’s lavish decoration, brick patterns, fenestration, and interior decoration with rich carvings (some by Grinling Gibbons), are not featured in this model. The model’s end blocks have only minor protrusions, whereas the completed house has more of a full Roman capital letter “I” formation with extensions deep enough to provide room for large windows.
The model shows a greater interest in overall architectural elements rather than in decoration, which indicates its use as a prospective overall plan. It is likely that the model was created as an early concept for Sudbury Hall, making this a good example of the model as part of the design process.
This model is one of a group of models proposed for acquisition. Models are an important part of the design process, and demonstrate craftsmanship, skill of execution, and the innovative use of materials. The group under consideration would provide the museum with an opportunity to examine the role of the model in many contexts.

This object was donated by Eugene V. Thaw and Clare E. Thaw. It is credited Gift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (base): 30.5 x 69.2 x 35.6 cm (12 in. x 27 1/4 in. x 14 in.) H x W x D (house): 30.5 x 49.5 x 25.4 cm (12 in. x 19 1/2 in. x 10 in.)

Cite this object as

Sudbury Hall Architectural Model; England; stained pine; H x W x D (base): 30.5 x 69.2 x 35.6 cm (12 in. x 27 1/4 in. x 14 in.) H x W x D (house): 30.5 x 49.5 x 25.4 cm (12 in. x 19 1/2 in. x 10 in.); Gift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw; 2013-3-5

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/35460535/ |title=Sudbury Hall Architectural Model |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>