The annexed Engraving completes our Series of _Architectural
Illustrations_ of the REGENT'S PARK, and is, withal the most magnificent
Terrace in the circuit. It stands considerably above the road, and is
approached by a fine carriage sweep, with handsome balustrades; below
which, and level with the road, is the garden, or promenade for the
residents of the Terrace.
The architect of Cumberland Terrace is Mr. Nash, who appears to have been
so lavish of ornament, as to give the whole range the appearance of a
triumphal temple. It consists of a centre and wings, connected by two
handsome arches, which have a very pleasing and novel effect. The entrance,
or ground story throughout, is rusticated, and in the principal parts or
masses of the elevation, serves as a base or pediment for handsome Doric
columns, above which is a balustrade, on which are placed allegorical
figures of the Seasons, the Quarters of the Globe, the Arts and Sciences,
&c. Each of these masses has a most imposing appearance, and bears four
figures; the figures in the whole range amount to twenty-seven. Above the
balustrade rises the attic story. The subordinate fronts of the residences
are embellished with Doric pilasters.
Each arch consists of four handsome Doric columns, with an entablature,
and blocking course.
The central portion of the terrace is in correspondent style with the
wings; and consists of a splendid colonnade of twelve columns and an
entablature. Above the attic story rises a pediment surmounted with
figures of Painting, Architecture, and Sculpture. This pediment is filled
with a basso-relievo, executed by J.H. Bubb, and representing Britannia
crowned by Fame, and seated on a throne, the basis of which represents
Valour and Wisdom. On one side, Literature, Genius, Manufacture,
Agriculture, and Prudence, are bringing youth of different nations for
instruction; and on the other side, the guardian-spirit of the Navy,
surmounted by Victory, Navigation, Commerce, and Freedom, is extending her
blessings to the Africans. The group is terminated on each side by Plenty.
This is supposed to be the largest ornamental pediment in the kingdom,
with the exception of that of the portico of St. Paul's, which only
exceeds it by a few feet.
From the sweep of this terrace may be enjoyed a highly picturesque view of
the park, with the crown of Primrose Hill in the distance.
At this close of the Series of Views, and as we are approaching the
conclusion of our volume, it may not be amiss to recapitulate the several
engravings, with their pages in the preceding and present volumes of the
MIRROR, and the order in which they stand in the Regent's Park, which
order circumstances have prevented our uniformly following in their
publication: thus--
_Buildings_. _Architects_. _Mirror, Vol._ _Page._
Ulster Terrace xi 401
York Terrace Nash xiii 129
Sussex Place Nash xiii 273
Cornwall Terrace D. Burton xiii 305
Clarence Terrace D. Burton xii 17
Hanover Terrace Nash x 313
Hanover Lodge xiii 49
Grove House D. Burton xiii 49
Marquess of Hertford's Villa D. Burton xiii 81
Macclesfield Bridge Morgan xiii 351
East (now Gloucester) Gate xi 225
St. Katherine's Poynter xi 273
Master's Residence Poynter xi 289
Cumberland Terrace Nash xiii 401
Chester Terrace Nash xiii 193
Exterior of the Colosseum D. Burton xiii 65
Interior of the Colosseum D. Burton xiii 97
In this _Series_ we have endeavoured to represent all the architectural
beauties of the Park, and liable as are all of them to critical objection,
they are extremely interesting for pictorial displays of the taste of this
castle-building age.
* * * * *