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Distinguished and influential British architect (1632–1723) who played a leading role in the rebuilding of London following the devastating Great Fire of 1666, and whose St. Paul's Cathedral takes a place among the greatest designs in the history of architecture. Manuscript DS, signed “Chr. Wren,” one page, 7.25 x 12, July 9, 1714. Financial estimate addressed to "the Most Hon'ble the Lord High Treasurer of Great Britain," regarding his work on "Denmark House," now the site of 'Somerset House,' overlooking the River Thames in central London. In full: "We humbly crave leave to lay before your Lordship an Estimate of the Charge of Repairing the Great stone Stairs at the lower end of the Garden at Denmark House, which are in a very ruinous Condition, and the Charge of Repairing the same will amount to about 175 pounds." Signed at the conclusion in ink by Christopher Wren, and countersigned by Benjamin Jackson. In good to very good condition, with edge tears and small areas of paper loss to the top, and heavy overall staining affecting appearance. Accompanied by the detached docketing panel and an engraved portrait of the celebrated architect.
Denmark House had a long and illustrious history: from Tudor times it had housed Mary I, Elizabeth I, and, and during the reign of James I, was the residence of his wife Anne of Denmark, hence "Denmark House." Wren had first refurbished the building in 1685, but, following the Glorious Revolution in 1688, the building entered on a long period of decline. In the conditions of the time this meant almost inevitably that little money could be found for its upkeep and a slow process of decay crept in. Despite Wren's best efforts—evidenced by this 1714 estimate for the repair of dilapidated stone stairs—the building continued to decay throughout the 18th century, and demolition began in 1775.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
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