Palatium Proesecti urbis Londini. L’Hotel du Lord Maire de Londre.

Early view optic of Mansion House, Threadneedle Street, London built between 1739 and 1752 to accomodate the Lord Mayor of London.

It was built in the then fashionable Palladian style by the surveyor and architect George Dance the Elder. The site, at the east end of Poultry, had previously been occupied by the “Stocks Market”, which by the time of its closure was mostly used for the sale of herbs.

Vue Optic

During the C18th “vues d’optique” became extremely popular in England and Europe. They capitalised on a market eager for the latest novelty. They were specifically designed to create the illusion of perspective when viewed with a zograscope or perspective glass. These viewing devices used a series of reflecting mirrors to enhance the illusion of depth in the print, creating a veritable “view” for the onlooker.