23 APRIL 1831, Page 21

MODEL OF LONDON.

A VERT ingenious model of the City of London, and of the principal pub- lic buildings in the metropolis and its immediate neighbourhood, will be exhibited to the public on Monday, at the Western Exchange. The model is not completed to the extent proposed, but is still in progress.; and should the plan meet with encouragement, it will be carried on so as to include the suburbs as well as the metropolis. At present it in- cludes the five Bridges over the Thames, from Westminster to the new London Bridge •, mid such parts as are incomplete are marked out by a ground plan, which will be progressively covered with buildings, until not a house is omitted.

The printed account of the work tells us, that " The model, which is on a scale of about four and a half feet to one mile, has been constructed after actual surveys and admeasurements made for the purpose. It in- cludes the whole of the City of London, its immediate surrounding en- virons, and the principal approaches to it—represents correct elevations of upwards of 73,000 houses and 107 churches, as well as that of every building, public or private, throughout the City." It is entirely of wood, covered with paper, on which is delineated the external appear- ance of the buildings. St. Paul's, in particular, attracts the attention, not only by its size and elevation, but by its finished appearance. Southwark, Westminster, and the west end of the town, are not yet included ; but at the east will be seen the Docks, Tower, Customhouse, &c. The river is covered with craft, and shows the Lord Mayor's procession by water, together with numerous steam-boats, &c. The effect is striking, and gives a most vivid idea of the City ; which seems on this small scale much less irregular in plan than it appears when tra- versed. The model, when completed, will be a valuable and usefUl curiosity. Some idea of the labour attending its production may be formed from the fact of the portion now exhibited having occupied three artists during five years. We trust the ingenious modellers will be encouraged to proceed, as the value of such a work depbnds very much on its completeness.