SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM: A reimagining with Suzanne Bravery

Sir John Soane’s Museum is the extraordinary house and museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, of architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837). Comprising three townhouses, this rich, vibrant and dense collection of classical, mediaeval and non-western material and architectural drawings and models, in its nineteenth century interiors, has been open to the public since 1837, and restored, or reimagined, according to archival and physical evidence, since 1889.

From 2011 to 2016, the Museum undertook a monumental project called Opening up the Soane to restore and improve parts of the Museum that weren’t previously seen by the public.  This talk looks at this project in the context of the history of the property.

SUZANNE BRAVERY has curated and managed house museums at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW (now Sydney Living Museums), including Elizabeth Bay House, Vaucluse House, Elizabeth Farm, Rouse Hill estate and Meroogal.  She managed the Grainger Museum at the University of Melbourne, and was a Head Curator at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.  Suzanne’s research interests include historic interiors, social history and conservation housekeeping.  This talk was inspired by ongoing visits to the Soane over many years.

This lecture is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details.

This lecture is provided with the support of The Friends of The Johnston Collection

Image: The Model Room at Sir John Soane’s Museum, London, recreated according to C. J. Richardson’s watercolour of circa 1834/35 of the original room.