Design for a Door Frame, for 37 Tavistock Place, London 1800 - 1900

This design for a door frame, now at the Met, offers a glimpse into the architectural aspirations of 19th-century London. Though the artist remains anonymous, their work speaks volumes about the social and cultural values embedded in domestic spaces. Designs like this were not merely about aesthetics. They were a statement of status, class, and belonging. This door frame, intended for a residence in Tavistock Place, reflects the era's emphasis on classical ideals and refined living. The precision of the drawing, with its meticulous measurements and ornate details, suggests a society where craftsmanship and attention to detail were highly valued. But who was meant to pass through this door? Whose access was being designed, and whose was being restricted? As you consider the emotional resonance of this design, think about the thresholds it represents – both literal and metaphorical – and the stories it tells about identity, access, and social mobility.