1837 Fitzwilliam Museum

In 1816, the University received a bequest from from the 7th Viscount Fitwilliam, an old member of Trinity Hall. It included his paintings, etchings and library, and funds to build a museum to house the collection.

After a long time looking for a suitable site, a narrow strip of land from neighbouring Peterhouse was purchased in 1823. An open competition for the design was won in 1834 by George Basevi, pupil of Sir John Soane.

The monumental Roman facade is thought to be inspired by the remains of the Roman Capitoleum building at Brescia. It is a good example of the turning away in the 1830s and 40s from the purity of neo-Greek, as exemplified in Cambridge by Downing College to Victorian Baroque. There is a bold use of a richly decorated giant Corinthian order, not only in the 8 column portico, but in the columns of the recesses to either side, and in the pilasters of the narrow protruding bays.

The building was supervised by Basevi from 1837 until his death, falling from scaffolding in Ely Cathedral, in 1845, which was 3 years before the museum opened. The design of the unfinished entrance hall was modified by C R Cockerill, and again by E M Barry. Barry was responsible for completion of the staircase hall 1870-75.

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