In a narrow sliver of land between Upper Thames Street and Lambeth Hill is the tower of St Mary Somerset. This is a Wren church, built in 1886-94. The body of the church was demolished in 1871, leaving only the tower. The tower was listed Grade I in January 1950. It is now being converted into a single private home, according to the website of architects Pilbrow & Partners.
I drew this picture from the footbridge over Upper Thames Street, on the North side, where it becomes Fye Foot Lane.
From this angle, Upper Thames Street is hidden behind the trees. The building on the left of the drawing is 1 High Timber Street. It’s an enormous post-modern building, which looks like offices.
I enjoyed the top of St Mary Somerset. There is no spire, instead there are eight huge stone monuments. The Historic England describes it in the listing: “Parapet with 8 tall pedestals supporting urns at the corners and obelisks in between.” It looks as though it might be a board game, laid out on a huge square board, for giants of immense strength to play.
The sketch took about 45 minutes on location. I completed it at my desk after lunch. The colours are: Phthalo Blue Turquoise, Permanent Yellow Deep, Green Gold, Mars Yellow, Perylene Maroon. Here are snapshots of work in progress.
I have drawn various City churches. I enjoy the way they co-exist with the modern buildings.
Jane Sketching 
Good afternoon Rosey and thank you for your comment. I was struck by this view of the church from the bridge, surrounded by its trees. Later on in the year the trees will be thick with leaves and more of the building will be obscured – so I hastened to make my drawing.
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Very impressed!
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Loving St Mary Somerset. I’d never thought about the fantasy board game analogy, will never look at it any other way now 🙂 Will email you later.
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Good afternoon @endean0 and thank you. It’s amazing that the church is still there in this small patch of land. I was very pleased to find this viewpoint. I look forward to your email. Best wishes and thank you for your comment.
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