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A.& J. Bool, Old Houses in Wych Street, formerly a continuation of Drury Lane.

Old Houses in Wych Street, formerly a continuation of Drury Lane., ca.1876

From: A.& J. Bool

RA Collection: Art

"Nos. 7 & 8.- Old Houses in Wych Street

Two views, the one looking east the other west, of the same group of old houses, on the south side and at the end of Wych Street.

The name of this street, a continuation of Drury Lane, gave its name to the land adjoining it on both sides, and was of very great antiquity. These are very good specimens of the overhanging houses of the beginnning of the seventeenth century. It is only to be regretted that the extreme narrowness of the street made it impossible to give the full effect of this picturesque group. The church seen in No.7 is St. Clement Danes. Here Dr. Johnson worshipped; his seat in the north gallery is still pointed out."

The above description, written by Alfred Marks in 1881, was taken from the letterpress which accompanies the photographs. Although Wych Street was to remain more or less the same as it appears in A & J Bool's photograph until the end of the century, eventually it was demolished when the area was reconstructed and the Aldwych was created. It was once the site of a number of theatres, including the Globe, Opera Comique and the Olympic Theatre, which closed in 1899. The demolition of Wych Street also meant the loss of many early Georgian plastered and tiled houses.

Object details

Title
Old Houses in Wych Street, formerly a continuation of Drury Lane.
Photographed by
Published by
Printed by
Date
ca.1876
Object type
Photograph
Medium
Carbon print mounted on card
Dimensions

228 mm x 176 mm

Collection
Royal Academy of Arts
Object number
06/104
Acquisition
Purchased from
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