HUGIJENOT ARTISTS DESIGNERS AND CRAYPSNEN IN GREAT ...

125.
OUR SONS SHALL GROW UP AS THE YOUNG PLANTS AND OUR DAUGHTERS AS THE
POLSHFD CORNERS OF THE TEMPLE (Psalm CXLIV, v.12); and to the right
of the entrance,
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS HAS THOU PERFECTED PRAISE
(St.Matthew XXI, v.16).
The ceiling was probably complete3 by December, 1757, as on the
29th of that month 'the said Bartholomew Cramillion covenants and
agrees to execute the stucco .work of the Altar-piece in the Chapel of
the L.ying-..in Hoapital( according to a P lan and Draft made by him)to
the best of his skill and ability..and that the same should be completely
finished in six months from the date hereof for Hundred Guineas'.91
The altar consists of two putti supporting drapery in bundles
which cascades from a centre semi-cupola decorated with lambrequin
ornament, that shelters a lamb carrying a flag in its right hoof,
which is in turn supported by a golden book from which hang seven seals.
The book is supported by pairs of angels and cherub heads, which are
seen against a background of scattered cloud, tinged slightly blue, and
hence distinguishabl from the putti and angels. Above, on the other
side of the cupola, two putti heads support an olive branch in their
inside wings. The original colours are remarkable, the dra.pery, a deep
red-purple reveals a pale duck-egg blue reverse, decorated with gold leaf
simulating rich embroidery. 20,000 leaves of gold were applied to this
decorative scheme by the gilder John Hudson, even though the money
Dr.Mosse intended to spend on gilding was cut down to two-thirds the
original amount on his death in 1759 Although Cramillion finished his
work on time, and by August, 1758 'the work was performed & accomplished
to the well liking and satisfaction of Dr.Mosse and all beholders',
it seems that Cramillion had to wait for payment. A memorial to the
Governors praying for the payment of a balance due to him upon Dr.
Mosse's death survives in Cramillion's own hand,
'That your memorialist being a stranger in this Kingdom would have left
it long since, but waiting to get his just demand and having suffered
gravely by his detention in this kingdom on account of the saii sumSo
due to him and having the most urgent occasion to go to his own country
immediately, the delaying him longer will prove of the utmost disservice
93
to him'.