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England

Sir John Soane's House (Nos. 12, 13 & 14 Lincoln's Inn Fields)

  • House & Family History: Soane's Grade I-listed tomb in St. Pancras Gardens, London (formerly St. Pancras Old Church), was built in 1816 to the architect's design as the final resting place for himself and his wife. It was the inspiration for Giles Gilbert Scott's design for the iconic red English telephone boxes (see "Images" section).

    Collections: A large Apulian krater (wine–mixing vessel), found in 1790 near Lecce in southern Italy, and known today as the Cawdor Vase, was purchased by Soane for £68.5s. in 1800 from John Campbell, 1st Baron Cawdor (1755-1821), one of the most remarkable collectors of antiquities in 18th century Britain. A fine collection of ancient marbles and the famous Diana of Ephesus statue were purchased from the 4th Earl of Bessborough's collection in 1801. In 1802 Mrs. Soane paid £570 at William Beckford's auction of the contents of his father's house, Fonthill Splendens, for Hogarth's "A Rake's Progress" (see "Images" section). An 18th century plaster cast of the Apollo Belvedere, once the property of the 3rd ("Architect") Earl of Burlington, was given to Soane in 1811 and remains in the collection today. Sir John Soane acquired six antique gemstones from the Duke of Buckingham in 1834.

  • Architect: John Soane

    Date: Circa 1792-1824
    Designed: No. 12 (circa 1792-94); No. 13 (circa 1812-13); No. 14 (circa 1824), all for himself.

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  • Title: Sir John Soane's Museum London
    Author: Knox, Tim
    Year Published: 2009
    Reference: pgs. 27, 57, 120
    Publisher: London: Merrell Publishers Limited
    ISBN: 9781858944753
    Book Type: Hardback

    Title: Saving Wotton: The Remarkable Story of a Soane Country House
    Author: Palin, William
    Year Published: 2004
    Reference: pg. 26
    Publisher: London: Sir John Soane's Museum
    ISBN: 0954228472
    Book Type: Softback

  • House Listed: Grade I

    Park Listed: No Park

  • "Alice in Wonderland" (1966 - TV movie).
  • Past Seat / Home of: Sir John Soane, 1808-37.

    Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Museum

    Ownership Details: Owned by the Trustees of Sir John Soane's Museum.

  • House Open to Public: Yes

    Phone: 01714-052-107

    Fax: 01718-313-957

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://www.soane.org

    Historic Houses Member: No

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