Fascinating work on London, illustrated with four maps:
- A Plan of Hyde-Park with the City and Liberties of Westminster &c., shewing the several Improvements propos'd
- Part of Westminster at large shewing the Improvements propos'd about Leicester-Fields, Covent-Garden, the Mewse, &c.
- Part of London shewing the Improvements propos'd about the Mansion-House, Royal-Exchange, Moor-Fields, &c.
- Part of London shewing the Improvements propos'd about London-Bridge, the Custom-House, Tower &c.
In 1766, John Gwynn authored London and Westminster Improved, Illustrated by Plans, a seminal work encapsulating his architectural and urban vision for London in the 18th century. This work is not merely a cartographic endeavor but a comprehensive discourse on urban planning, architectural aesthetics, and the role of the arts in society.
Gwynn, an architect and founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts, offers an insightful perspective on the burgeoning field of urban design, reflective of the Enlightenment era's intellectual currents.
Gwynn's work is divided into distinct parts, each contributing to the holistic understanding of London's urban fabric. The initial discourse on 'Publick Magnificence' presents a philosophical and practical approach to urban development, emphasizing the significance of beauty and utility in city planning. This section, underpinned by Enlightenment ideals, advocates for the integration of the arts into education, positing that a well-rounded, liberal education is incomplete without an understanding of the arts.
The core of the book comprises detailed plans for the improvement of London and Westminster, showcasing Gwynn's innovative ideas for urban renewal. These plans reflect a meticulous understanding of urban dynamics and are indicative of the period's architectural trends. Gwynn's vision extends beyond mere aesthetic improvements, delving into the practicalities of urban living, such as traffic flow, public spaces, and the harmonization of the old and new city structures.
The work is dedicated by the author to the King (George III). According to Boswell, the dedication was composed by Samuel Johnson.
As noted in the description of the Royal Academy copy:
Gwynn here calls for the commissioning of public works from British artists, and integrated planning for the British capital. His proposals and maps foreshadow such developments as Regent Street, Waterloo Bridge, the Thames Embankment and Trafalgar Square. . . .
John Gwynn was always eager to enhance the status of British artists and architects. In 1749, he had published An Essay on Design, including Proposals for erecting a Public Academy and, in 1755, had taken part in the unsuccessful attempt to establish a Royal Academy of London for the improvement of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. Since 1760 he had been an exhibitor at the Society of Artists of Great Britain. Two years after publishing the present work he would become a foundation Member of the Royal Academy, with whom he would exhibit annually from 1769 to 1772.
John Gwynn was a writer, architect and bridge-builder, who is well known for his writings on the monuments of London and most notably, St. Paul's Cathedral, a well as the needs and status of artists (including architects). This second topic led to the formation of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1768.
His Plan for Rebuilding the City of London (reduced copy of the Wren Plan), is one of his earliest published works.