Design for an Iron Bridge

Original drawing, design for an Iron Bridge, Rotherham by Paine Thomas, 1788. Pen and ink, with blue wash, on paper, 35x75cm. Inscribed in ink [in later hand], b.l.: 'Given to Isaac Dodds in 1833 by Samuel Clark, Esq. this design was made and executed by Thomas Paine at the Holmes works at Rotherham, in the office of the model shop about the [Bear?], A bridge with three vaulted iron arches, showing decorative ironwork of spans and balustrade. Relating to British patent 1667, 1788 Aug. 26. The bridge was never built.'. Paine Thomas (1737-1809) better known as a political activist and philosopher also designed and built iron bridges