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Writer's pictureSophie Wootton Borruso

My love of architectural illustration


Architecture has always fascinated me—a unique fusion of art, history, and engineering. There’s something magical about how a well-designed building can tell a story, both of its creator and the time in which it was built. From sleek modern skyscrapers to timeworn medieval structures, each has its own personality. But nowhere is my love for architecture more deeply rooted than in the City of London, a place where history and modernity coexist. It is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from the famous landmarks that define the skyline to the hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners. Each structure offers a glimpse into the city's rich history.


The City of London itself feels like a living gallery, offering endless inspiration. Walking through its streets is like stepping through layers of time, with each corner revealing new surprises—from ancient Roman ruins to futuristic glass towers.


Christopher Wren: An Inspiration

One cannot talk about London’s architectural legacy without mentioning Sir Christopher Wren, the visionary behind many of the city’s most cherished landmarks. The Great Fire of London in 1666 left much of the city in ruins, and Wren's genius became the foundation of its resurrection. His Baroque style, with its emphasis on grandeur and harmony, is both instantly recognisable and deeply inspiring to any architectural artist. Among his most notable achievements is, of course, St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of engineering and artistry.

St. Paul’s is more than just a cathedral; it’s a symbol of resilience and regeneration. I remember the first time I sat down to sketch its majestic dome, taking in the incredible detail Wren had imbued in every curve and column. It has of course been drawn 1000s of times but I have my favourite views, and my best selling print of all time is the view of the dome from Watling Street. I remember seeing it as a child as my dad worked in a huge building on that street, since knocked down and replaced by a shopping mall. The contrast between the classical lines of the cathedral and the modern glass towers nearby.


architectural illlustration of St Paul's Cathedral
Architectural Drawing of St Paul's Cathedral from Watling Street



What I love most about Wren’s work is the balance he strikes between grandeur and grace. His buildings are monumental yet still human in scale, giving them a sense of accessibility. Every time I draw one of his creations, I find myself appreciating not only his vision but the meticulous craftsmanship that went into realising it. I have always drawn churches and homes but about 15 years ago I was given a large project to draw gifts for the Aldermen and High Officers of the City by the then Lord Mayor of the City of London. This included drawing the principle building within each Ward (of which there are 25) and certain important civic buildings a number of times from a variety of angles, such as Mansion House (the homes of the Lord Mayor and his team) and Guildhall (the ceremonial and administrative centre of the City and Corporation of London.


Pencil drawing of Guildhall
Architectural drawing of Guildhall in the City of London


Architectural Portraits: Capturing More Than Just Buildings

When I draw a building, I'm not merely reproducing a building's shape and form—I'm capturing its essence. Every sketch is an exploration of the play of light, shadow, and texture that brings these structures to life.


Hidden Gems: Discovering the Lesser-Known Beauties


While St. Paul’s might be one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world, the City of London is also full of hidden gems that have their own unique charm. These lesser-known buildings often reveal the layers of history that have shaped the city, and I love seeking them out and capturing their distinct characters. It is so important to walk around the City slowly and absorb it, while the world around you bustles by in a rush, eyes on their phones…


Some of my favourite churches to draw were St Michael Paternoster Royal, a tucked away church in the elegant Georgian style that was largely destroyed during the Blitz in World War II and subsequently rebuilt, St Lawrence Jewry, another Wren often overshadowed by Guildhall but a beauty in his own right.


Architectural illustration of St Michael Paternoster Royal, Christopher Wren
St Michael Paternoster Royal

Architectural illustration of St Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall, Christopher Wren
Drawing of St Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall Yard

With both of these for example, you can see that I don't just want to draw the church. The first is framed in lush trees and in St Lawrence, I have actually focused almost half of the portrait on the incredible paving stones leading up to the church!


Another gem is the Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian covered market with an iron and glass roof that lets in streams of natural light. The intricate design of the ironwork and the colourful, almost whimsical paintwork make it a joy to draw. I love a walk down Cloth Fair to feel miles from anywhere, emerging at the end in Smithfield square at the stunning St. Bartholomew's Church (St. Barts), a magnificent example of Norman architecture, founded in 1123!


Architectural illustration of Leadenhall Market
Drawing of Leadenhall Market entrance

Outside the City

I have extedned my portfolio to Westminster and some English private schools, such as Eton and Tonbridge.


The reference photo on an iPad and bones of drawing of Parliament
My bones of a drawing of Parliament


My Approach to Architectural Portraits

When I approach an architectural portrait, my goal is not just to replicate the building’s appearance but to capture its spirit. For me, every building has a presence that goes beyond bricks and mortar. It’s about capturing the feeling you get when you stand in front of it, the way it interacts with its surroundings, and how it’s been shaped by the passage of time.


I start each drawing by observing the building from multiple angles and take photographs to reference later. As much as I would love to sketch on-site, it is sadly not practical due to the weather, transport and people, as well as changing light and shadows.  I focus on the lines and proportions first, making sure to get the foundation and structure right before moving on to the details.


The beginnings of my architectural illustration of Tonbridge School
The bones of my drawing of Tonbridge School

In terms of style, I gravitate towards realism. I aim for accuracy in terms of the building’s proportions and key features, but I also allow myself to play with light and shadow to bring out the building’s mood. I usually try to find an angle that either shows the contrast with a modern building or has a sweeping  tree or flowers, something youwojdlnt necessarily notice when you are looking upon it.



Materials

I like to use Derwent Graphic pencils from 4h to 9b on either Daler Rowney heavyweight smooth paper or Strathmore Bristol smooth or vellum heavyweight


image of Derwent graphic pencil case
Derwent Graphic pencil case

Daler Rowney smooth heavyweight paper and Strathmore Bristol smooth and vellum paper
Sophie Wootton Borruso's favourite paper



The Joy of Architectural Exploration

With my art history background, ultimately my fascination with architecture and architectural illustration is driven by a desire to connect with the past, while also celebrating the creativity and innovation that continues to shape the future.

There’s a joy in discovering these stories, and even more joy in sharing them through my drawings. Architecture is a living art form, and through my sketches, I hope to capture not just the bricks and mortar, but the soul of the buildings that have stood the test of time.


All my architectural portraits are available to buy as fine art prints in A4 or A3 and as greetings cards. Stockists include St Paul's Cathedral and Guildhall art gallery gift shops.

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