architectural model

This 17th century wooden architectural model of Norfolk’s Melton Constable Hall with internally divided rooms throughout its five layers is the oldest surviving example of such a model in Britain. The architect, once considered to have been Sir Roger Pratt is now thought to have been the hall’s owner Sir Jacob Astley. After the hall was demolished in 1664 work began to rebuild it from 1670 onwards, the modern footprint following most of that set out in the model. As no drawings have survived it also represents the only remaining visual evidence for the development of the grade I listed building which is famous as the location of the 1971 film ‘The Go-between’. In the 350 years since being built the model has benefitted from continuous use, the majority of which has been as a somewhat grand dolls house.