Gwynn's proposed improvements for modern Leicester-Square and Covent Garden.

GWYNN, John.

Part of Westminster at large shewing the Improvements props'd about Leicester-Fields, Covent Garden, the Mewse &c.
London, 1766. Original colour. 300 x 495mm.

Trimmed to platemark on right edge.

A scarce plan revealing Gwynn's proposed enhancements to the vicinity of Leicester-Fields, now renowned as London's Leicester Square, and the districts of Covent Garden.
The red lines show an intention to regularize the street plan, replacing the irregular streets with a gridlike formation.
This map is one of four plans published by the Architect John Gwynn in his work 'London and Westminster Improved, Illustrated by Plans', in which he advocates a completely new street layout involving huge efforts and demolition of many buildings in the area. He calls for the commissioning of public works from British artists, and integrated urban planning for London. According to the Royal Academy "his proposals and maps foreshadow such developments as Regent Street, Waterloo Bridge, the Thames Embankment and Trafalgar Square".


Stock ID : 24129