Rare 1838 Pugin drawing is found

Pugin's drawing of St Albans market square Enlarge Image

A rare 19th Century drawing by an architect who designed the interior of the House of Commons has been discovered in Powys.

The picture by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin of St Albans market square in Hertfordshire dates from 1838.

Art expert William Lacey made the discovery, and said the find was both rare and unusual as most of Pugin's work was part of private collections.

The drawing is owned by a Welshpool woman who inherited it from an aunt.

It shows the busy market square with people on horseback and a cathedral in the background.

Pugin was recruited to work on the Palace of Westminster after the great fire of 1834 destroyed much of the original building.

Architect Sir Charles Barry and Pugin designed the present-day palace, which was constructed between 1840 and 1852.

'Tremendous amount'

Pugin also designed furniture and a number of churches and cathedrals.

Mr Lacey of Halls Fine Art said he made the discovery during a valuation day in Welshpool.

"Pugin's architectural plans are worth a tremendous amount," he added.

"This drawing is very unusual and fairly rare as most of his work belongs to private collections. I'm quite thrilled to have discovered it."

Of the owner, Mr Lacey said: "She knew the significance of it and it is quite clearly signed by Pugin, but she doesn't really like the drawing and wants to sell it.

"She was pleasantly surprised when I said it was worth between £300 and £400."

The drawing will be sold at auction on 2 April.