Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, Ealing ~ June 2024

Situated in Walpole Park, Pitzhanger was built between 1800 and 1804. It was designed, built and lived in by Sir John Soane as his dream country retreat in the then rural Ealing. 

Pitzhanger is known for its eclectic and growing collection of art and antiquities including Hogarth’s series of paintings. The Gallery,  housed in the 1939 library buildings, holds contemporary art exhibitions.

The Manor was mainly a place of entertainment where Soane could entertain influential friends and clients at dinners and garden parties, or enjoy fishing in the lake. 

During his career Sir John Soane won numerous high-profile projects, including the Bank of England, where he was architect for 45 years, and Dulwich Picture Gallery. He also created his own extraordinary home and museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields.

During a guided tour of the house with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, we heard about Soane's turbulent family life, his friends, and his enormous contribution to the world of architecture. 

The house has been restored, but unfortunately none of the original furniture, paintings or wallpaper can be seen as they were moved to various museums in this country and abroad, but period furnishings have been used throughout.

If you would like to read more about Pitzhanger, go to their web site at;  www.pitzhanger.org.uk