Hidden Masterpieces

The British architect John Soane (1753–1837) amassed some 30,000 drawings over the course of his lifetime. His holdings included what has been described as the first comprehensive collection of architectural drawings in the world, spanning architects of the Italian Renaissance to the likes of Hawksmoor, Wren, Piranesi, and contemporaries such as James Wyatt and William Henry Playfair (as well as Soane’s own drawings). But his interests ranged beyond architecture, and among his treasures medieval illuminated manuscripts and Indian miniatures are also to be found. Most are now too delicate for permanent display, but this exhibition at the Sir John Soane Museum in London (9 March–5 June) offers a rare chance to see highlights of the collection. Find out more from the Soane’s website.

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Unexecuted ceiling for the circular dressing room of Harewood House, Yorkshire (1767), Giuseppe Manocchi for the office of Robert Adam. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Illumination showing the construction of the Tower of Babel, from a Book of Hours (after 1512), Flemish. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Capriccio (c. 1745–50), Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London

Plate depicting Mumtaz Mahal (18th century), unknown artist. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London