In Our Time: Sir John Soane

BBC Radio 4's "In Our Time" delves into the life and legacy of Sir John Soane, a luminary in the world of architecture. Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the episode features insights from experts Francis Sands, Frank Salmon, and Julian Darley, offering a comprehensive exploration of Soane's contributions to architecture, his innovative museum, and his enduring influence.

Early Life and Education

Sir John Soane was born in 1753 to a bricklayer, William Soane, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of Britain's most esteemed architects. As Francis Sands notes, "We know really very little about the beginning of his life... His education was in reading, and he was essentially fostered by schoolteachers and books" (01:20). Soane was largely self-taught, an autodidact who continuously sought knowledge across various disciplines, which profoundly shaped his architectural vision.

Soane's entry into the architectural profession was marked by exceptional dedication and talent. Sands explains, "He must have had an extraordinary application... He was learning at the elbow of and living with the Dance family, then moved to another architect family, the Hollands" (02:23). This apprenticeship under prominent architects like George Dance Jr. provided Soane with invaluable experience and connections that propelled his career forward.

Architectural Career and Achievements

Soane's architectural prowess is evident in his extensive portfolio, which includes over 100 country houses and numerous public buildings. Melvyn Bragg highlights, "Soane was an extremely prolific architect... He had over 30 pupils in his lifetime and another 20 or so assistants, probably the biggest office of its time" (05:23). Among his notable works were the Bank of England and the Pitshanger Manor. However, many of his major public buildings have been lost to time, with structures like Westminster Law Courts demolished in the 1880s and the Bank of England's original building destroyed in the 1920s.

Despite these losses, Soane's influence remains significant. Bragg remarks, "Soane is a unique figure... his construction of his own style was really unique" (16:02). Soane developed a distinctive architectural language that emphasized structural integrity and aesthetic poetry, diverging from the eclectic styles popular during his era.

The Soane Museum: A Masterpiece of Architectural Curation

Perhaps the most enduring testament to Soane's genius is his house in Lincoln's Inn Fields, now the Sir John Soane Museum. Julian Darley describes it as "the most concentrated and brilliant museum imaginable" (09:59). Comprised of three adjoining houses (numbers 12, 13, and 14), Soane meticulously transformed each into a cohesive architectural laboratory. He filled the museum with a vast collection of antiquities, artworks, and architectural drawings, intending to offer visitors "a dramatic grand tour of Europe in microcosm."

Frank Salmon marvels at the museum's ingenuity: "You just can't believe that a wall switches around and there's many paintings on the back of the walls... it is crammed with stuff, and it doesn't seem to be claustrophobic" (11:36). Soane's innovative use of space, light, and movable walls creates an immersive environment that continues to captivate visitors today.

Architectural Style and Innovations

Soane's architectural style was a blend of classical influences and innovative design principles. Bragg notes, "Soane would have seen himself as a classical architect... but he didn't use the columns and the orders that much" (16:04). Instead, he focused on the interplay of light and shadow, utilizing "lumiere mysterias" to create emotive interior spaces. His domes, characterized by low saucer shapes and delicate oculi, are particularly noteworthy for their aesthetic and practical functions.

Julian Darley emphasizes Soane's minimalist approach: "He would take classical motifs... and pair them back to the absolute bare minimum... Soane is often hailed as the father of modernism" (20:45). This reductionist philosophy anticipated the modernist movement, highlighting Soane's forward-thinking approach to architecture.

Teaching and Lectures: An Academy of Architecture

In 1806, Soane became a professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy, where he was deeply committed to education. Julian Darley explains, "Soane was giving lectures which explored world architectural history... to guide his students towards what he felt were good practices" (21:25). To compensate for the inability of his students to travel abroad during the Napoleonic Wars, Soane transformed his home into an educational space, offering "a grand tour in microcosm" through his extensive collection.

The lectures, though dry and repetitive, were supplemented by over a thousand large-scale, color-washed architectural drawings created by his apprentices. Darley states, "They are very dry and they are at times repetitive... the drawings illustrate these lectures, providing a snapshot of these important buildings to students" (23:28). This initiative is considered an early attempt at a graphic history of world architecture, underscoring Soane's dedication to comprehensive architectural education.

Personal Life and Legacy

Soane's personal life was marked by both professional success and familial strife. He married Eliza Smith, an heiress, providing him with financial independence that facilitated his extensive collecting. However, his relationship with his sons was fraught with difficulties. Julian Darley recounts, "Soane's youngest son, George, was embittered... wrote articles criticizing Soane's work and background" (27:01). This familial discord led to personal tragedies, including the death of Eliza, which deeply affected Soane.

Despite these personal challenges, Soane's legacy as an architect, educator, and philanthropist endures. Francis Sands highlights his respect for artisans and his commitment to architectural integrity: "He had a respect for his fellow workmen, tradesmen, artisans... a lesson that every architectural student should think about" (39:52).

Reputation Over Time

Initially, Soane's reputation waned after his death in 1837, with his innovative style being ridiculed. It wasn't until the early 20th century that his legacy began to be reassessed. Julian Darley notes, "It was in the 1930s, questions were being asked... It wasn't really until John Summerson takes over in '45 that things begin to mesh" (35:03). Architecturally conservative figures like Sir Albert Richardson and modernists such as Roger Fry began to recognize Soane's unique contributions, drawing parallels between his minimalism and modernist principles.

By the mid-20th century, Soane was rediscovered as a visionary, with architects like Philip Johnson and Rafael Moneo incorporating elements of his design philosophy into their work. Melvyn Bragg observes, "Architects start to take an interest in specifically the sort of forms of what Soane is trying to do" (35:42), cementing his status as a foundational figure in modern architecture.

Influence and Lasting Impression

Soane's influence extends beyond his buildings; his museum serves as an educational tool and a repository of architectural knowledge. Julian Darley emphasizes the significance of Soane's extensive collection of architectural drawings: "We have 8,000 items in his own practice and another 22,000 that Soane collected... inspired later collections" (42:13). The Soane Museum not only preserves his work but also continues to inspire future generations of architects and scholars.

Melvyn Bragg reflects on Soane's enduring appeal: "Architecture was not about fashion, it was about expressing your own deep-seated learning through the whole history of architecture" (50:37). Soane's dedication to the "poetry of architecture" and his innovative use of space, light, and form continue to resonate, making his work as relevant today as it was centuries ago.

Conclusion

Sir John Soane's life and work epitomize the blend of artistry, innovation, and intellectual rigor. From his modest beginnings to his creation of a unique architectural legacy, Soane's contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture. The Sir John Soane Museum stands as a testament to his genius, offering a glimpse into his creative mind and his unwavering commitment to the "poetry of architecture." As Francis Sands aptly puts it, "It's plain speaking between the professional and the hands-on team—a lesson that every architectural student should think about" (39:52). Soane's legacy is not merely in the buildings he designed but in the enduring inspiration he provides to architects and enthusiasts worldwide.

This summary encapsulates the rich discussions and expert insights from the "In Our Time" episode on Sir John Soane, providing a vivid portrayal of his life's work and lasting impact on the field of architecture.