Publications such as Samuel Ireland’s Picturesque Views on the Upper or Warwickshire Avon (1795) identified, illustrated, imagined and enthused over Shakespearian localities beyond the Birthplace – notably the site of the house at New Place which he bought with his considerable earnings as a playwright. Wholly rebuilt in 1700, and then entirely demolished in 1759, one thing is for sure: this highly fanciful depiction of what New Place would have looked like in Shakespeare’s time is completely inaccurate. It is chiefly remarkable for the extent to which it is invested in Shakespeare’s social standing through imagining neo-classical grandeur and Shakespeare’s arms over the door.

Acc No. 83057285, p. 197

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