Christopher Wren, Design for the Dome of St Paul's Catherdral, a drawing in brown ink over pencil

The old medieval Gothic structure of St Paul's Cathedral burnt down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. From the beginning, Wren (1632-1723) planned a dome over his new building. It would be England's only cathedral built in the classical architectural tradition. He altered the shape and profile of the dome several times. It was not until around 1697 that the exact design for the dome was agreed. The build was finally completed in 1710.
This free-hand drawing shows relation of the inner and outer domes. The outer dome is supported on a massive, circular drum surrounded by giant columns. This lighter outer dome is built of timber covered with lead, hence its distinctive grey colour. It rests partly on the brick cone which rises from the inner dome. This cone, which rests on the supporting drum, also supports the crowning stone lantern, ball and cross. They can be seen from the floor below, through the domes.
The famous dome dominates the City of London. It also marks the site of Wren's tomb. The Latin inscription on his tomb beneath the dome, reads: 'Si monumentum requiris, circumspice' ('If you are seeking his monument, look around you').