View of Northumberland House

Northumberland House was built at the beginning of the 17th century. For most of its history, it was the London home of the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, hence its name. Extensive alterations were carried out to the building in 1749 but it was destroyed in 1874 to accommodate Northumberland Avenue, which was constructed on the same site.

The bronze equestrian statue of Charles I by Hubert le Sueur, seen to the right of Malton's print, was cast in 1633 for Lord Weston. The statue was installed at Charing Cross, where it remains, looking down Whitehall.

London-born Malton the Younger 1748-1804 studied at the Royal Academy where he was awarded a gold medal in 1782. Although the draughtsman was known for his etchings and engravings of topographical subjects, he was also a teacher of perspective and painted scenery for theatrical productions. His most important work, 'A Picturesque Tour through the Cities of London and Westminster' (1792-1801), comprised 100 aquatint plates.