Note 83 — Chapter VI · THE NEW PALACE AT WESTMINSTER.

It may be well here to quote a letter of Mr. Pugin’s, in which, with his usual generosity, he disclaims the credit, which some of his admirers imputed to him, in respect of his services in the decoration of the New Palace.

(From the ‘Builder’ of Sept. 6th, 1845.) “Decorations of the New House of Lords.

“Sir,—As it appears by an article in the last number of the ‘Builder,’ as well as in notices contained of late in other periodicals, that a misconception prevails as to the nature of my employment in the works of the New Palace at Westminster, I think it incumbent on me, in justice to Mr. Barry, to state that I am engaged by him, and by him alone, with the approval of the Government, to assist in preparing working drawings and models from his designs of all the wood-carvings and other details of the internal decorations, and to procure models and drawings of the best examples of ancient decorative art of the proper kind, wherever they are to be found, as specimens for the guidance of the workmen in respect of the taste and feeling to be imitated, to engage with artists and the most skilful workmen that can be procured in every branch of decorative art, and to superintend personally the practical execution of the works upon the most economical terms, compatible with the nature of it and its most perfect performance. In fulfilling the duties of my office, I do not do anything whatever on my own responsibility; all models and working drawings being prepared from Mr. Barry’s designs, and submitted to him for his approval or alteration, previous to their being carried into effect; in fine, my occupation is simply to assist in carrying out practically Mr. Barry’s own designs and views in all respects. Trusting to your fairness in giving insertion to this letter in your next number,

“I am, Sir, &c.,

“A. Welby Pugin.

“London, Sept. 3rd, 1845.