Thomas Sandby (1721-1798)

Born in Nottingham, Sandby was an architect and topographical draughtsman. His legacy lies in the impact he had on the development of professional architecture in England. He was a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768, and the first Professor of Architecture at the Academy. In this role Sandby gave six lectures annually from 1770 until his death in 1798.

The content of these lectures evolved over the years to cover things such as the classical order and rules of composition, exotic architecture, rural buildings, and key concepts such as taste, symmetry, character, and magnificence - the overwhelming and sublime effects of architecture.