Lot 74: Webb (Sir Aston, 1849-1930). Perspective view of

Webb (Sir Aston, 1849-1930). Perspective view of the interior of St. PaulÍs Cathedral with figures, pen, ink, and watercolour wash, 36.5 x 45.5cm (14.25 x 18ins), mounted, framed and glazed Provenance: Edward Playne, DSC, FRIBA, of 19 Queen AnneÍs Gate, with his typed label on the verso of the frame, and his handwritten inscription, which reads, ñOriginal Drawing by Aston Webb included in a collection found in the store in 19 Queen AnneÍs Gate and mounted and framed by me EP 1955î. English architect Aston Webb was the son of watercolour painter Edward Webb. Aston Webb received his initial architectural training articled in the firm of Banks and Barry from 1866 to 1871. He set up his own practice in 1874, and in 1883 joined the Royal Institute of British Architects and began working in partnership with Ingress Bell. Their first major commission was a winning design for the Victoria Law Courts in Birmingham in 1886, the first of numerous public buildings the pair designed over the next 23 years. He served as RIBA President and, having been elected as a full member of the Royal Academy in 1903, served as acting president from 1919 to 1924. He was knighted in 1904, received the Royal Gold Medal for Architecture in 1905, and was the first recipient of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1907. (1)