The Athenaeum, Plymouth ([1835])

Hearder, G. & J. The South Devon monthly museum. Plymouth: July 1st, 1835. VOL. VI. No. 27. pp. 1-4.THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION.OUR Engraving this month presents a north view of the Plymouth Institution; for the drawing from which it was taken we are indebted to Mr. G. T. Page, architect, of Plymouth.This society owes its formation to the laudable endeavours of Henry Woollcombe, esq., who had long contemplated the beneficial effects resulting from societies composed of persons of various pursuits, but whose common object was the cultivation of useful knowledge. That highly respected individual being joined by several other gentlemen, who were inclined cordially to co-operate in the under-taking, the society was first originated in the year 1812. Its meetings were then held in the Public Library, whence they were removed to the Picture Gallery, in Frankfort Place. The accommodations afforded by this apartment, being found too limited for the increased numbers and importance of the society, it was determined to erect a building, exclusively appropriated to the purposes of the institution;-to raise a temple where the Penates of Learning and Science might be securely deposited.A spot of ground, adjoining the Theatre, having been previously selected for the purpose, the foundation-stone of the building was laid, in the presence of the members, by H. Woollcombe, esq., senior president for the year, on the first of May, 1818.John Foulston, esq., of Athenian, Cottage, North Hill, from a fellow feeling with the members of the society, furnished the plans and elevations, and superintended the work, till the completion in February, 1819, when it was opened for the public business of the Institution.The front is a Doric portico of four columns, the centre intercolumniation being wider than the others similar to the portico of the Temple of Theseus, at Athens, but more massive in its proportions. The sides of the building are plain beyond the returns of the portico, except that the entablature with the, triglyphs and metopes are continued the whole length of the sides. The portico is nearly thirty-six feet in breadth. The entrance from the portico is into the vestibule, which is ornamented by an entablature supported by Doric columns. In the vestibule are casts of the Venus de Medicis, the fighting gladiator, and a mutilated faun; in the staircase is the head and trunk of the genius of the capital. Above the vestibule is the library, which contains a choice collection of rare and valuable books, and is supplied with home and foreign periodicals, &c., &c. In the same apartment is part of the philosophical apparatus belonging to the society; it also contains a fine bust of Achilles, and a cast from one of the horses of the chariot of night.The Athenaeum, or lecture room of the Institution, is 36 feet long, by 30 broad, and is fitted with sittings for about 200 persons. This room is graced by noble casts from some of the Elgin marbles. The River God, Ilissus, and the Theseus; the justly celebrated originals formerly decorated in part the pediment of the Parthenon at Athens, but, during the siege of that city by the Venetians, in the year 1687, they were thrown down by the bursting of a bomb. The Earl of Elgin, while on his embassy to the Ottoman Porte, obtained permission to remove these splendid specimens of sculpture to this kingdom; and, in the year 1816, the whole of them were purchased by the Parliament, for the sum of £35,600., and deposited in the British Museum. These relics of Grecian art are reckoned among the finest productions of human genius, and the exquisite taste and masterly execution displayed by the artist have called forth the warmest expressions of delight and admiration from the most eminent sculptors and painters.Mr. West, formerly president of the Royal Academy, says-"Had been blessed with seeing and studying these emanations of genius at an earlier period of life, the sentiment of their preeminence [sic] would have animated all my exertions; and more character, more life, and expression would have pervaded my humble attempts in historical painting." And Canova, the most distinguished of modern sculptors, bears the following testimony to the superior excellence of these productions:-"I think that I can never see them often enough, and although my stay in this great capital must be extremely short, I dedicate every moment that I can spare to the contemplation of these celebrated remains of ancient art. I admire in them the truth of Nature, united to the choice of the finest forms. Every thing here breathes life, with a veracity-with an exquisite knowledge of art, without the least ostentation or parade of it, which is concealed by consummate and masterly skill."There are also in the Athenaeum casts. of the Apollo Belvidere, and the Antinous. A bust of Minerva is likewise placed above the Lecturer's chair. On the walls are plaster facsimiles of the sculptures in the Metopes of the Parthenon, representing the conflict between the Centaurs and Lapithae, and the Panathenaic procession, which was celebrated at Athens every fifth year, in honor [sic] of Minerva. The Metopes and the Procession are casts from the famous Elgin collection, and were presented to the Institution in the most gracious and munificent manner, by His Majesty George the Fourth. The Apollo is the splendid present of Admiral Sir T. B. Martin; the Venus, of Gen. Sir Wm. Congreve; and the Antinous, that of the Earl of Morley. The bust of Minerva was given by the Rev. R. Lampen, one of the members. The possession of these fine models of ancient sculpture, must be considered as an event of the greatest importance in promoting the progress of the arts, and is justly the boast of the Society.Behind the Lecturer's table is a door leading to the laboratory, offices, and the museum. The latter, by means of purchase and donation, is constantly increasing, and already contains an interesting collection of minerals, fossils, birds, insects, shell fish, savage accoutrements, and miscellaneous curiosities. An excellent bust of H. Woollcombe, esq., by Lege, graces this room; it was presented by the members as a token of their respect and estimation of their President.The only remaining piece of tapestry, after the burning of the House of Lords, which was purchased at a high price, by the Bishop of Llandaff has been presented to the Plymouth Institution, through the president. It contains portraits of Cock, Drake, and other Western Worthies, who signalized themselves, in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Wood engraving

94x143mm