Event for readers: The significance of Sir John Soane
On Monday, 10th March, 2025, a thought-provoking discussion will take place at Hector Finch's showroom, located at 3rd Floor, Design Centre East, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE. The event, titled "Coinciding with an exhibition at the Sir John Soane's Museum," will delve into the significance of Sir John Soane's contribution to design and its relevance to the 21st century.
Sir John Soane (1753–1837), a celebrated English architect, was known for his neoclassical style and inventive use of light and shadow. His work, such as the redesign of the Bank of England, demonstrated a mastery of combining diverse architectural elements into coherent, elegant structures that served both aesthetic and practical purposes.
The museum located in his former residence in Holborn remains a seminal source of inspiration and study, reflecting his philosophy of architecture as a living environment tailored to the human experience while displaying his extensive art and architectural collections. Personal elements such as Soane’s design of his family tomb at St Pancras signify his deep emotional ties to his work, blending personal history with architectural legacy.
The discussion will focus on Soane's innovative architectural approach that combined functionality, artistry, and a pioneering use of space, which remains influential in architectural and design circles. The event, hosted at Hector Finch's showroom, will highlight Soane's lasting impact, particularly through his London house, now the Sir John Soane's Museum, which exemplifies his unique design principles of integrating art, light, and practical living spaces.
Participants in the discussion include Will Gompertz, the director of Sir John Soane's Museum and was previously the BBC's arts editor. Maria Speake, co-founder of Retrouvius, an influential design practice that refurbishes domestic interiors with salvaged materials, will also be present. Hector Finch, a lighting designer and, along with his wife Emma, established an internationally recognised lighting brand, will share his insights. Emma Finch, a company director, will also contribute to the discussion.
Giles Kime, a contributor to The Telegraph, Homes & Gardens, and Decanter Magazine, will moderate the discussion. The platform offers a newsletter with content on exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and life enhancement.
Several Soane-inspired designs, including the Lincoln Lantern, will be on display at the event. No booking is required for the event. For more information, contact Hector Finch at 020-7731 8886 or visit their website at hectorfinch.com/contact.
- The discussion at Hector Finch's showroom will explore Sir John Soane's enduring impact on interior design, particularly as it pertains to the integration of art, light, and practical living spaces, making it a noteworthy event for those interested in home-and-garden aesthetics and lifestyle.
- Maria Speake, as a co-founder of Retrouvius, an innovative design practice, will bring her unique perspective on domestic interior design, blending her passion for sustainability with a keen appreciation for the historical relevance of Sir John Soane's work, thereby enriching the overall discourse during the event.
