Young
Smirke did not study under any particular architect, although he did work under
Mr. Soane for a time. Soane thought there was little hope for him and discouraged him. This may have acted as a spur as since that time he has studied extensively, even drawing the human figure, as he was taught by his
father. The younger Smirke then visited Italy and studied the ancients. Since his return he has attracted prominent commissions from the likes of the
Earl of Oxford and the
Earl Lonsdale. In London he has built a new mint and is to design the new Covent Garden theatre. Humphry visited him at the Albany and was lucky enough to see the plans, which he describes in detail. Smirke has been consulting Harris and
Kemble at every stage.
He gives an account of the current progress of
John Flaxman. He is working on a monument for
Pitt for the city of Glasgow. The portrait comes from his [death] mask and the picture by
Hoppner among other sources. He is also designing a monumental statue of
Sir Joshua Reynolds for St. Pauls and describes it in detail.