Soane and Turner: Architecture, Art, Friendship and Fishing
Sir John Soane and JMW Turner were idiosyncratic and unique talents, creating works that, to this day, inspire pleasure and wonder.
Sir John Soane and Turner’s House
This talk explores the close relationship between Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) and his friend and fellow fisherman, the architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837). It looks specifically at Turner’s design for his suburban retreat at Twickenham and illustrates how Soane’s fascination for classical and Renaissance architecture helped Turner define its appearance and implied associations.
Alexander Pope and His Villa
More images were created of the exterior of Alexander Pope’s Thameside villa than of any other private residence in the eighteenth century. After his death, his home and garden attracted so many visitors that a later owner razed the villa to the ground in order to preserve her privacy.
Horace Walpole and Strawberry Hill
Horace Walpole was the son of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. He devoted his life to politics, the arts, antiquarianism, history, collecting and authorship and, from 1749, the creation of Strawberry Hill, his summer villa.
Henrietta Howard and Marble Hill House
Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk (1689-1767), has perhaps been best known as mistress to the Prince of Wales, later George II. However, this talk will show that Howard was much more than a mistress.