Lot 100: Autographs: WREN CHRISTOPHER: (1632-1723) English

Autographs: WREN CHRISTOPHER: (1632-1723) English Architect. Fine D.S., Chr. Wren, one page, folio, n.p., 28th February 1677. The attractively penned document appoints Thomas Taylor of St. Margaret's, Westminster power of attorney 'to aske and receive all such summ & summes of money, which is, and shall become due to us respectively out of his Majts. Great Wardrobeàfor our fees'. Boldly signed by Wren at the foot and countersigned by Hugh May (1621-1684, English Architect). Both signatures appear alongside the remnants of four small red seals. Further signed and witnessed by Gilbert Havers and Charles Browne. With blank integral leaf. A rare, handsome and clean document. VG (See front cover illustration) In 1663 Wren had been appointed as a member of the Commission for the repair of St. Paul's Cathedral along with Hugh May. Following the Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed many buildings including St. Paul's, Wren and May were appointed by King Charles II as Royal Commissioners for the rebuilding of London. The foundation stone of St. Paul's was laid in 1675 and it is possible that the fees due referred to in this document were for the Cathedral.