Sir John Soane, Architect and Surveyor to the Bank of England

Exhibition 9th July – 31st October 2003

The exhibition marked the 250th anniversary of the birth in 1753 of this renowned architect. Appointed ‘Architect and Surveyor’ to the Bank of England in October 1788, Sir John regarded his work for the Bank over 45 years as some of his greatest.

The centrepiece of the exhibition was a detailed model, covering an area of approximately 2.5 square metres, of ‘Soane’s Bank England’ as it was in 1828. This was supplemented by a small display of objects connected with his work for the Bank. Two touch-screen kiosks and a large plasma screen enabled the visitor to appreciate Soane’s innovative use of light and space as they tour the Bank as it would have been in 1814. The contributions of the other distinguished architects employed by the ‘Old Lady of Threadneedle Street’ were illustrated in biographies and an architectural history of the Bank from its foundation in 1694 to the present. A selection of stunning photographs by Frank Yerbury showed the Bank immediately prior to its demolition, which began in 1925. Amateur film footage shot in 1936 and 1937 by members of the Bank’s staff provided a unique insight into the rebuilding, which was completed in 1939.

Click here for more information on the Bank’s Buildings & Architects.

The interactive kiosks and the model remain in the Museum as a permanent display, although the model will move out of the Museum to make way for other events during certain weeks each year. For more information please ring the Education and Museum Group on + 44 (0)20 7601 5491.

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