Order! From Ancient Myth to Modern Meaning

This exhibition charts the development of the orders of architecture from classical times to the present, using objects from the collection including Soane's lecture drawings to explore the relationship between built form and the proportions of the human body and the secret language of decoration. Rules set out by ancient architects and the myths that arose around the origins of the five basic orders - Tuscan, Corinthian, Ionic, Doric, Composite - as well as the implied gender of the columns and capitals are examined; the show concludes with a look at the way classical orders have been adapted by architects in the modern era -including the 'American Order' designed in 1792 by Benjamin Latrobe. The exhibition is designed to appeal to children (especially at Key Stage 2) as well as adults.