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VOL. III.
Plate XXXIX.
Birdbrook, Essex, Aug. 14, 1794.
DEAR SIR,
PERMIT me the pleasure of laying before you a drawing of the newly discovered Roman Pavement at Colchester, in Essex; which for lightness, elegance of design, and variety of pattern, has never yet been equalled by any hitherto engraved. I regret much its not being more perfect; yet there is sufficient to shew a refinement in taste that would do credit to the genius of the present age.
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The outer border with the red tesserae very much resembles the one at Caerwent, which Mr. Strange says “no design can exceed in elegance1,” yet we see it exceeded by the scroll border in this pavement; and the circular border is by no means destitute of merit.
The most curious part of this pavement is the vases being shaded; not in the common method of dark and light tesserae, but the colours are softened into each other equal to any painting, and their shape is extremely beautiful.
The drawing, which was taken for me by Mr. Dunthorne is very accurate; I examined it upon the spot, and was much pleased to find no part omitted, or any introduced to make it more beautiful—a practice too common with draftsmen.
When perfect it appears to have been 22 feet by 17, the length would have been accurately ascertained, had it not extended beneath a stone wall into an adjoining garden, the property of another person, who would not permit the soil to be removed.
It was found 1793, in the garden of — — Bragg, a Baker, in St. Martin’s Lane; the premises are the property of Mr. John Hinsum, of Copford.
This Pavement is situated about thirty-six rod N.E. by N. from the one discovered in the year 1763, and engraved in Morant’s History of Essex.
Should you think the drawing worthy the attention of the Society, your presenting it will add to the many favours already conferred upon, dear Sir,
Craven Ord, Esq.Your Obedient humble Servant,
THOMAS WALFORD.
1Archaeol. V. p. 58.
