The Sheldonian Theatre

A jewel of the University of Oxford, the Sheldonian Theatre stands out among the groundbreaking designs by the great British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Published to coincide with the 350th anniversary of the buildings construction, this meticulously researched book takes a fresh look at the historical influences that shaped the Sheldonians development, including the Restoration of the English monarchy and the universitys commitment to episcopal religion. The book explains just how novel Wrens design was in its day, in part because the academic theater was a building type without precedent in England, and in part because the Sheldonians classical style stood apart in its university context. The author also points to a shift in the guiding motivation behind the architecture at Oxford: from a tradition that largely perpetuated medieval forms to one that conceived classical architecture in relation to late Renaissance learning. Newly commissioned photographs showcase the theaters recently restored interior. Published for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art