Sir Robert Smirke Collection

Design for Medallion of King Canute, n.d. Creator: Sir Robert Smirke
Design for Medallion of King Canute, n.d

Design for Medallion of King Alfred, n.d. Creator: Sir Robert Smirke
Design for Medallion of King Alfred, n.d

British Museum, 1850-1900. Creator: Unknown
British Museum, 1850-1900. [Courtyard of the Museum, built in a Classical style to the designs of Sir Robert Smirke to house the growing national collection. It opened to the public in 1857

British Museum (colour photo)
3095051 British Museum (colour photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: British Museum. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

Sir Robert Peels residence, Whitehall Gardens, 1845. Creator: Unknown
Sir Robert Peels residence, Whitehall Gardens, 1845. London home of British politician and prime minister Robert Peel, designed by Sir Robert Smirke and built in 1824

Facade of the new British Museum, 1845. Creator: Ebenezer Landells
Facade of the new British Museum, 1845. The newly extended building in Bloomsbury, London. The design of the New British Museum...has certainly not been spared by the architectural critic of

Present state of the British Museum, 1845. Creator: Ebenezer Landells
Present state of the British Museum, 1845. Entrance gate of the British Museum in Bloomsbury, London. The New Museum will occupy a site further north than its predecessor;

The Seven Ages, Fifth Age: The Justice (Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 7), first published 1801; reissued 1852

Shylocks House-Shylock, Jessica and Launcelot (Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 5), first published 1795; reissued 1852

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England, East Sussex, Brightling, Spiral staircase leading up to The Observatory designed by Sir Robert Smirke for John Mad Jack Fuller in 1810

The British Museum, c1900s. Creator: Eyre & Spottiswoode
The British Museum, c1900s. The British Museum in London was built in 1823-1852 in a Classical style to designs by Sir Robert Smirke, to house the growing national collection

British Museum, London, c1900s. Creator: Unknown
British Museum, London, c1900s. The British Museum in Bloomsbury, central London, was originally established by Sir Hans Sloane in 1759

Colonnaded Front of the British Museum on the Site of the Old Montague House, c1935. The British Museum in Bloomsbury, central London, was originally established by Sir Hans Sloane in 1759

Covent Garden Theatre: Front in 1850, (1881). Creator: Unknown
Covent Garden Theatre: Front in 1850, (1881). The facade of the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, London. The second theatre

New General Post Office, St. Martin s-Le-Grand, c1872. Creator: Unknown
New General Post Office, St. Martin s-Le-Grand, c1872. View of the General Post Office in the City of London. The Neoclassical building designed by Robert Smirke was opened in 1829

The Royal College of Physicians, Pall Mall East, Westminster, London, 1828. Artist
The Royal College of Physicians, Pall Mall East, Westminster, London, 1828. View with figures and traffic in the street. The building, which stands on the corner of Pall Mall and Trafalgar Square

British Museum, Holborn, London, 1934. Artist: William Monk
British Museum, Holborn, London, 1934. Calendarium Londinense, or the London Almanack for 1935, surmounted by a view of the British Museum, Holborn

St Marys Church, Bryanston Square, Marylebone, London, c1825. View of the church designed by Sir Robert Smirke and built in 1823-1824

General Post Office, City of London, c1910 (1911). Britains first purpose-built mail facility located in St Martins le Grand

The Royal Mint, London, 19th century (1906). Artist: Herbert Railton
The Royal Mint, London, 19th century (1906). From Cassells Illustrated History of England, Vol. V. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1906]

Exterior of the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, 1887. The British Museum was built in 1823-1852 in a Classical style to designs by Sir Robert Smirke to house the growing national

The Royal Mint, Tower Hill, London, early 20th century. The building, designed by James Johnson and Robert Smirke, was completed in 1809

Lowther Castle, Westmorland, home of the Earl of Lonsdale, c1880. This castellated mansion was designed by Robert Smirke and built between 1806 and 1814

Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, home of the Marquis of Cholmondeley, c1880. Built in the 1800s to resemble a Gothic castle, with crenellated towers added in 1817-1819 by Robert Smirke

Cromwell Suppressing the Mutiny in the Army, c1640s, (19th century). Artist: J Rogers
Cromwell Suppressing the Mutiny in the Army, c1640s, (19th century). Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), English military leader and politician, bringing his troops under control

Lowther Castle, Cumbria, late 19th century

Battle of Agincourt, Hundred Years War, 25 October 1415 (1825). Artist: A Smith
Battle of Agincourt, Hundred Years War, 25 October 1415 (1825). Henry V (1387-1422) of England in the thick of the fight. The battle resulted in a notable victory for the English over the French

Drawing Foreign Office Westminster competition
Artokoloro

Eden Hall (engraving)
XJF448263 Eden Hall (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Eden Hall, near Penrith, Cumbria)

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Sir Robert Smirke was a prominent British architect who left an indelible mark on the landscape of London during the 19th century. His most iconic creation, the British Museum, stands as a testament to his architectural genius and enduring legacy. Built between 1823 and 1852, the British Museum is a magnificent structure that houses countless treasures from around the world. Sir Robert Smirke's design seamlessly blends classical elements with modern innovations, creating a grand facade that captivates all who behold it. The photograph taken in 1850 showcases its majestic presence against the backdrop of bustling London streets. Another image captures Sir Robert Peel's residence in Whitehall Gardens, which he designed in 1845. This elegant building reflects Smirke's ability to create both public landmarks and private sanctuaries with equal finesse. The new British Museum facade depicted in another artwork from 1845 highlights Smirke's attention to detail and commitment to preserving historical architecture while adding contemporary touches, and is evident that he understood how to harmoniously blend old and new aesthetics. A glimpse into the present state of the British Museum reveals its continued significance as a cultural institution even after more than a century since its completion. The c1900s photographs by Eyre & Spottiswoode and an unknown photographer showcase how this architectural masterpiece has stood the test of time. Smirke's talent extended beyond public buildings; he also designed Covent Garden Theatre's front in 1850, as seen in an image from (1881). This demonstrates his versatility as an architect capable of shaping various types of structures throughout London. In addition to his architectural achievements, Sir Robert Smirke had an appreciation for literature and theater. Depictions such as "The Seven Ages" scene from Shakespeare's "As You Like It" or Shylock's house featuring Jessica and Launcelot demonstrate his affinity for storytelling through architecture.