London: Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Soane's Dream Country Retreat - Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, London
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is a historic building located in the west London borough of Ealing within Walpole Park. It was originally designed and built by renowned British architect Sir John Soane in 1800 as his country retreat. The manor showcases Soane's architectural style, characterized by his innovative use of space, light, and ornamentation.
Pitzhanger Manor is a Grade I listed building and is known for its distinctive features, including a grand entrance portico, a circular drawing room, and a stunning domed ceiling. Soane used the house as a showcase for his art and architectural collections, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
History
Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was a prominent British architect who made significant contributions to the field of architecture and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in British architectural history.
Soane was born in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, in 1753. He displayed an early aptitude for drawing and design, which led him to pursue a career in architecture. He studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and later traveled to Italy, where he immersed himself in the study of classical architecture and ancient ruins.
Upon his return to England, Soane established his architectural practice in London and quickly gained recognition for his talent and unique design approach. His architectural style was characterized by a blend of classical elements with innovative spatial arrangements and inventive use of light.
One of Soane's most famous works is the Bank of England in the City of London, for which he was appointed as the official architect in 1788. He redesigned and expanded the bank over a period of several decades, creating a monumental neoclassical building that embodied his architectural principles. The Bank of England project brought Soane significant acclaim and established his reputation as a leading architect of his time.
In addition to the Bank of England, Soane designed numerous other notable buildings throughout his career. These include his own residence and architectural showcase, Pitzhanger House (now Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery), as well as the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which is considered the first purpose-built public art gallery in England. Soane's designs often incorporated innovative features, such as skylights, lightwells, and clever storage solutions, reflecting his emphasis on the manipulation of light and space.
After initial construction, the manor at Pitzhanger remained in the Soane family until 1810 when it was sold.
Soane sold Pitzhanger House to Charles Mills, a banker and politician, due to the architect's financial difficulties and the dislike of the location by his wife and sons. The house subsequently changed hands several times over the following decades and went through various alterations and additions. At one point, it served as a school and later as a public library.
In recent years, Pitzhanger Manor has undergone an extensive restoration project to return it to its former glory. The restoration, completed in 2019, aimed to recreate Soane's original design and reinstated many of the building's original features. The project also included the construction of a contemporary gallery and exhibition space adjacent to the manor.
House
Sir John Soane intended Pitzhanger House to be his country retreat, a place where he could escape the bustling city and indulge in his passions for architecture, art, and collecting. He carefully crafted the house to showcase his unique architectural style and to house his extensive collection of art and antiquities.
Soane lived in Pitzhanger House with his wife Eliza and their two sons. He used the house as a place to entertain guests, including influential figures from the worlds of art, literature, and politics. Pitzhanger House became a hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, with Soane using it to promote his ideas and showcase his architectural vision.
However, his wife found the house to be too far from central London. Soane's sons, too, showed little aptitude or interest for architecture much to their father's regret. As a result, Soane gave up the property and moveed back to central London.
In 1833, Soane established a unique foundation to preserve his central London house, collection, and architectural drawings for future generations. Today, the Sir John Soane's Museum stands as a testament to his architectural legacy. The museum showcases his personal collection and offers visitors an immersive experience of his architectural vision.
Art
The gallery at Pitzhanger hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and contemporary art installations, exploring different themes and artistic disciplines.
It offers visitors a chance to engage with contemporary art in the context of Soane's architectural masterpiece. The gallery's programming includes works by both emerging and established artists, showcasing a diverse range of artistic practices.
In 2023 the house has exhibitions by Sir Anthony Caro (1924-2013), one of Britain's most influential sculptors, and "The Curious Robot World of Max Dixon."
The Grounds
Beautiful gardens surround the house that have been restored to their early 19th-century design. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, take a stroll through the picturesque landscape, and experience the outdoor architectural features designed by Soane.
Further Information & Access - how to get to Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green
London W5 5EQ
Tel: 0203 985 8888
www: pitzhanger.org.uk
Hours: Friday to Sunday 10 am - 5 pm; Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm; Thursday 10 am - 7 pm (late exhibition viewing, talks, tours and workshops), Monday - Tuesday closed except Bank Holidays.
The nearest tube stations are Ealing Broadway (Central, District & Elizabeth lines) and South Ealing Station (Piccadilly Line).
The number 65 bus from Kingston Station to Ealing Broadway stops outside Walpole Park.
Nearby
The house and gallery are close to Ealing Broadway - a vibrant shopping and dining district in west London. Ealing Broadway is home to both The Questors Theatre and Ealing Studios, the oldest film studios in the world.
Filmworks is a recent leisure center, home to a number of bars and restaurants as well as an 8-screen cinema.
The ornate Ealing Town Hall dates from 1888 and was built in the Gothic Revival style, popular in town halls of its time. Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre hosts various outdoor events, markets, and community gatherings throughout the year.
Gunnersbury Park and Gunnersbury Park Museum are about 25-30 minutes on foot south of Pitzhanger. The E3 bus stops outside the park.
If you wish to stay in this area of London, the 4-star Hotel Xanadu is very close to the northern edge of Walpole Park.
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