We are still visiting Oxford, England, although unfortunately we are scheduled to leave in a few days. We managed to see the interior of the Sheldonian Theatre today, Christopher Wren's first major building commission completed in 1667. Wren based his design on Roman amphitheaters, and thus the Sheldonian was the first building in Oxford to be modeled directly from a structure dating from classical antiquity. He had to adapt this form to the use of a modern theatre where academic ceremonies would be conducted. One required deviation was that of a roof (Roman theatres were open to the sky), and Wren solved this problem with his typical mathematical expertise by creating trusses that spanned 70 ft. with no intermediate supports. These trusses were hidden from view by a ceiling that was painted by Robert Streater with allegorical scenes surrounding a central area of clouds and blue sky. The exterior of this building (although its main facade resembles illustrations found in Vetruvius) is thought not to be altogether successful. (This may have been partially a result of the tightening of funds as the building was completed.) What gives this building much of its interest, though, is that it is the earliest work of a man who would come to be known as England's greatest classical architect.
This view (above) is taken from the cupola of the Sheldonian Theatre. You can see why Oxford is often referred to at the "city of spires".
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