Artwork
Elevation of the west side of Grosvenor House
Elevation of the west side of Grosvenor House is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Harvey Allport. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1885 drawing by Harvey Allport depicts the west elevation of Grosvenor House, executed for a competition alongside another piece in the collection, both likely created by students from South Kensington.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing accurately represents Grosvenor House's west facade, featuring tall columns on a brick base, a balustraded roof, and a symmetrical arrangement of two central doors flanked by windows.
Technique & Style
Characterized by clean, precise lines reminiscent of a blueprint, the drawing's style suggests a student project, potentially based on a shared model given the identical shadow placement across related works.
History & Provenance
Created in 1885 for a competition, the drawing is attributed to Harvey Allport, a student from the South Kensington school, and is now part of a collection that includes a companion piece.
Context
Comparable to other student works from the era, this drawing can be contextualized alongside similar pieces at the Victoria and Albert Museum, highlighting late 19th-century architectural drawing practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Harvey Allport carried a pencil like a spy carries a notebook—every mark was a secret shared with the future.
