(ENGLAND 1713) Vanbrugh John Sir Receipt for construction w

Sale 2253 - Lot 156

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Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800

(ENGLAND--1713.) Vanbrugh, John, Sir. Receipt for construction work at Blenheim Palace. Document Signed, one page, 12 x 7 1/2 inches, on a folded sheet; marginal wear on bottom edge; docketed on rear leaf, with later provenance note. Np, 5 January 1712/13

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Blenheim Palace was built for the Duke of Marlborough in gratitude for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim. Construction started under architect Sir John Vanbrugh in 1704, but stalled in 1712 when Queen Anne began to balk at the costs. It would not be completed until all of the original principals were long dead, but was later the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and still stands as a British icon.
This document is an invoice prepared on behalf of garden designer Henry Wise "for sinking ye earth and rock at the north end of the west wing of offices, and carting it, for the service of his Grace the Duke of Marlborough at Blenheim Castle." Below is a note that the bill is allowed, signed by Vanbrugh as well as inspector Henry Joynes and comptroller Tilleman Bobart. At the bottom is the receipt for £167 signed by Henry Wise (an important figure in his own right). Given the unsettled state of the project in 1713, Wise was quite fortunate to be paid at all.