Architect – Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane was an English architect, born in 1753, he died in 1837. Soane’s architecture career started early, at 15 in fact, joining George Dance, the founder of the Royal Academy (sounds like another architect to explore). Like Sir Robert Smirke he did a Grand Tour in 1778.

Now that I’ve familiarized myself with Soane’s work I can see why he did not like Smirke’s work. Soane’s work is subtle and refined for the time. I suspect it would have been quite forward-thinking and modern. Some lines remind me of Frank Lloyd Wright. Smirke’s work was flashy and showy making great use of neoclassicism with oh so many pillars. I really wanted to like Smirke but had trouble with that post. Then I discover The Sir Soane’s Museum in London a place when time has stood still and nothing has been changed. He was quite the maximalist – my kind of person. Plus paintings on the ceilings (ok frescos but still) again my kind of person

How odd that Wikipedia says he specialized in Neo-Classical style. I’m mostly not seeing it. Or what I am seeing is a reinterpretation of the classical styles or an integration into the design of its time. To me his designs feel fresh almost contemporary. More of the 20th century than the 18th and 19th century in which they reside.

Be sure to explore the explore the Model Room and the Sepulchral Chamber of the museum. And enjoy the eary route taken to get there. Here another site with great pics of the interior of the museum. For further reading, thought done in a bit of an odd style, check out 9 Secrets of Sir John Soane’s Museum, nice pictures there too.


Letton Hall
1783




Ryston Hall
1786




Cricket Street
1786




Aynho Park Northamptonshire
1798




The Barn Malvern Hall
1798




Tyrongham Hall
1800




Moggerhanger
1809




Belfast Royal Belfast Academic Institution
1814




Dulwich Picture Gallery
1817




Dulwich Picture Gallery
1817




Wotton House
1820




St John Bethnal Green
1828