The Demolition of Devonshire House

Charles Ernest Cundall 1890 - 1971

Summary

View of the demolishing of Devonshire House, with the main body of house still standing, but the outer walls to the right are already demolished. There are men around the house working on the wreckage, a crane and wrecking ball can be seen in the centre of the image. There is a horse and cart towards the left of the picture, being used to carry rubble. The sky is very bright and is illuminating the house which is in brick red with white detail. Devonshire House in Piccadilly, London, was built to William Kent's design for the 3rd Duke of Devonshire in the Palladian style circa 1740. It stood empty after the First World War, was sold by the 9th Duke in 1920 and then demolished in 1924.