Sandby R.A., Paul (1731 – 1809) – London; A view of Vanbrugh Fields, Greenwich.

Paul Sandby was drawing master at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich (near Greenwich) from 1768 until 1796. He also rented lodgings in Old Charlton, just east of the location seen here. So, this would have been a spot he knew well. We are looking across Vanbrugh fields on the east side of Greenwich park, with the Vanbrugh Gate in the centre and Vanbrugh Castle, the house Vanbrugh built for himself c.1719, on the left. The gate and other buildings Vanbrugh built for members of his family are no longer standing making this an interesting record as well as a beautiful watercolour.