Opening up the Soane: Restoring the Private Apartments

Opening up the Soane
The story of the restoration of Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Filmed over a period of 6 years, it traces the research, the discoveries and the skills that made transforming this magical place possible.
This second episode examines the restoration of Sir John Soane’s Private Apartments.
Find out more about Sir John Soane's Museum at www.soane.org

[@armalvior]

He had a SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS but no one ever followed it... The Audacity!

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

My thoughts, exactly! I can just imagine him screaming, "YOU HAD ONE JOB!"

[@Revelwoodie]

I had trouble getting past that part, too. I had to pause the video because I'm ruminating so much on it, I can't even pay attention to what people are saying. Like...were the people responsible for this ever named? Did anyone face consequences? Civil or even criminal penalties? I'm dumbfounded. A trust is a binding legal instrument. It has specified terms. You can't just break the terms. I need to know what happened. EDIT: His name was James William Wild. A renowned architect himself, so I guess he thought he knew better.

[@totallydomestic433]

Very unappreciative of his magnificent gift.

[@Iancreed8592]

How about the audacity of thinking and entire mansion would be kept the same way after your death indefinitely. If you're dead, you don't own anything anymore. Other people can use the space.

[@totallydomestic433]

@@Iancreed8592 Those were the stipulations. Should not have accepted the mans property then. Just wrong!

[@Automedon2]

We should be so grateful that there are still craftsmen who can replicate the original work, albeit with a few modern aids. Thinking about the woodcarvers who made the original printing blocks. What a feat.

[@jeffchastain2977]

You should also be grateful how so many records on so many things are kept in the UK. In America, so much of our historical information is just thrown away because we dont look down the road and see how someone might need it or value it.

[@SheriLynNut]

The tradespeople featured in this film are incredible! Thoroughly enjoyed watching them recreate these beautiful pieces.

[@Superfandangoo]

I have worked on a few of these such buildings over my 35yrs of work life, you tend to fall in love with the property as much as the guardians giving them your best trades. I'd have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the restoration of Soane Museum the care & detail was 2nd to none. Well done, beautiful

[@TheFiown]

I remember the huge impact this museum had on me in 1975 on a school visit, it stayed with me since then in my aesthetic choices. I paeticularly remember the folding walls to display more artwork, ingenius! The destruction of the Bank of England was such a terrible blow to his legacy.

[@MagnaMater2]

The same here went there in the late 90's - to see greek ceramics. I don't reall the ceramics, but I tried to turn my house in a copy... sorrily not with originals.

[@HBADGERBRAD]

I absolutely love how you did the exray vision, it makes such a difference in mentality putting one’s self in the space. I will never see this glorious place, so I am so very grateful for this program. Thank you 😊

[@targaryangirlalways5634]

Yes, you can You should try VR - Quest 3 . . it is like standing in the room.

[@Lonigo77]

A sensitively produced video about wondrous restoration work in a magnificent house. Thank you.

[@Lemma01]

What a great idea! I used to pop into the Soane museum during my lunch hour when working in the City - always something new to see, and enjoy a sandwich in Lincolns Inn Fields. Subsequently, I've never been able to see a marble statue anywhere in the world without wondering if the missing head or limbs lie somewhere in the bowels of the house!

[@unaallcock9380]

This was the most enjoyable film I have ever seen. How refreshing to see and hear people who know what they are talking about and inpart a little of thier knowledge in a most humble way. If only we could have more of these films were experts and artisans who want only to let the work speak instead of a talking head showing off and working from a script of which they know nothing. Thankyou to all who worked on this film.

[@davidfaulkner8201]

Sir John Soane was a architectural genius . He was very inventive with space and scale . He obviously did not confine his ideas to the Georgian box . I hope to someday visit his home we are so lucky that it survived the war . And the restoration experts have done such a wonderful job in their different fields . Thanks to the Soane Museum for this series !

[@penguinpenguin007]

The "Georgian box" you so denigrate is itself full of exciting details and craftsmanship if you look just a little closer! Some of the plainest houses have really wonderful joinery and fun details that have survived renovations (particularly the 20th century ones that just ripped out anything old). Think about the high contrast between the Adam brothers' work: plain exteriors with exuberant interiors!

[@blahdeblaaah9445]

The part about the wood grain was fascinating. The wallpaper effort was a lot.

[@leononchik]

Just stunning. The amount of work, historical knowledge, technical skill and dedication that went into this restoration project commands my deepest respect for everyone involved. I have visited the museum and it is a unique place.

[@stolidarling]

The intro had me thinking…wow, CGI I actually like! Beyond that, kudos to all the modern day restorers.👏👏👏

[@oseasviewer7108]

If and when I get to travel to the UK again (30 years since my last visit), I'll be making my way to Holborn in London to explore and admire this remarkable museum recently restored something I would not have been able to do all that time ago.

[@rachelLadyD]

i love this programme, more like this please, what an amazing collection of craftspeople, artists, historians and generally good heads restoring heritage projects like this. Spectacularly well done to all involved.

[@AvalonDreamz]

I work in Stained glass and oh man, those pieces are just absolute works of art! It would be a dream to be able to visit this place and see all of this in person. Thank you for the video.

[@Anberel]

It’s absolutely fantastic that this work has been done. It shows a real respect for history. It gives people an experience of both his vision and what restoration can achieve

[@cornelia9778]

Thank goodness the will and the funds were found to restore this incredible house.

[@rachelLadyD]

I'm loving this, nerds are great, the paint stripper who sees his job as an extreme sport, what fun. Magical story of the house bringing architecture, history, art, culutaral heritage, arts and craft to life. I loved watching the plasterer at work, and observed his clean work clothes, the sign of the best plasterer, the most highly skilled trade in housebuilding.

[@zoesolanki961]

I feel as passionate about restoring old buildings as faithfully as possible, so this was a complete joy to see

[@rts1115]

Love the Soane. Thanks to the team keeping it up and those restauring

[@marybarratt2649]

I am watching these videos with interest. Such a wonderful project and I so admire the attention to detail. Fascinating to watch the skills required to restore the building. It is a crime though that Mr. Soane’s wishes were not adhered to. Compulsive viewing.

[@cperkin6880]

This was done when people took pride in their work and it was appreciated.

[@nrivera4380]

The making of the wallpaper was fascinating! Gorgeous outcome! The entire work that was done is absolutely beautiful!

[@busysaru888]

It's so vibrant, my brain is vibrating! Definitely have a buzz looking at it.

[@ph2869]

This is one of the coolest things I have every seen. I'm incredibly impressed by the efforts made and the good energy of everyone involved that is in this video. I saw the museum as a kid and very much hope to return, even though I live in Texas. In the meantime, this gives me inspiration for a building restoration I'm working on, (though mine is a mere 120 years old and more famous for being in a Hollywood movie about 90s ghetto life). Anyway, keep up what you are doing, it looks perfect! Also 'inspectress' is a great job title for any business card!

[@1stEarlOfSurrey]

Quite amazing. The making of the wallpaper blew me away.

[@mercedes523]

My goodness... this is so interesting.

[@kevinchambers1101]

This was a wonderful series. My question is, why wouldn't the earlier director use the neighboring house for offices instead of destroying so much of this important museum? This should be a warning to other museums in picking directors.

[@monkeygraborange]

Oh my lord, you don’t know the half of it.

[@AmaltheaVimes]

They do this all the time where we live... They will actually use up large parts of the building for offices, and then modernize (for exhibits) the visitor areas, completely destroying the whole point of being inside of a historic building.

[@lowesonia8551]

Many of the people come from a Trust. They have 'connections'. Not all or most have more than Gestion knowledge. They are not often Skilled Curators.

[@laineymckenzie660]

This man was a true mystic.The ceiling is the journey of the soul to the heavens .Beautiful.Remember folks you are SOULS !

[@echohunter4199]

My goodness! I will definitely make time to visit the Soane when I’m in Europe again. I tip my hat to everyone that participated in the restoration. Side note, while I was deployed to Iraq in 2003-04, I went exploring in the mansions and Saddam Hussein’s mansions and one of them had some amazing ceiling plaster work and during the war campaign, one half of the mansion was severely damaged and almost immediately the US Army hired groups of people to repair the building and its grounds. Our unit was 2-6 Infantry Regiment, 1st Armor Division.

[@GiantJake]

Beautiful museum, I cannot wait to see it in November

[@jeffchastain2977]

Looking forward to my trip to the UK in 2025, and The Soane Museum is on my museum bucket list. Have read about it for many years, and been fascinated by the history of the man and his Museum/Home.

[@natesquestyouknowthatsrigh8269]

Incredibly fantastic ❤

[@caittails]

I have literally no respect for people who remodel/update/modernize old spaces, especially houses. The only exceptions are if absolutely necessary, like fire prevention, updating dangerous materials, general upkeep, those kind of things. I have the highest admiration for people who can do those things and make them either disappear or look original. That’s a true art.

[@carolwaugh5466]

How amazing! I admire these professionals and even envy them their tasks. Their knowledge and dedication is admirable.

[@phyllisarrington7436]

The wallpaper replication was astounding!

[@leemackie8434]

OMGoodness I have never heard of him or the Museum I love 💕 it and can’t wait to visit next year I hope 🇦🇺💕👏👏👏💗💗💗💗

[@Curiouscatnap]

It’s amazing and the surprise of Hogarths rakes progress there just made it incredible

[@philiphema2678]

Absolutely fantastic job!!! And what a tribute to the architect"s wishes. Deep respect and kudos to the artists responsible for the restoration.

[@ericastier1646]

The wallpaper part is amazing, that is beautiful and needs to come back as an interior trend for some rooms.

[@cornelia9778]

What a fabulous project. Thank goodness you were able to find these extremely talented artisans. I do wonder how any self respecting curator could change the windows though. I must go see it.

[@redwoods7370]

Literally stunned by the beauty.

[@jamesallison4875]

If people had followed the instructions in his will, this would not be necessary. The endowment must be massive since they still have the pounds to do this renovation.

[@Victoria-wz9ub]

Excellent. I visited the museum some years ago. A unique and unforgettable experience.

[@creepinwhileyousleepin]

Great stuff. Its too bad the later stewards of the museum didn't honor his request to leave the place untouched though. Its one thing to update a regular house that needs updating. Its another to mess with something like this.

[@MegaToti26]

Excellent Job! Congratulations to all the people who made this possible. BRAVO🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@ge3877]

I just back from London a month ago. This place was fascinating. I highly recommend it.

[@samoinborut1339]

This is amazing. Such a huge work has been done. Thank you so much. I love that museum very much. So inspiring.

[@lisathomas1622]

What a fantastic delight!

[@seattlebeard]

Such dedication to restore this home. Nice to know these people had the time and resources to achieve all that they did. Had to subscribe. :o)

[@lisathomas1622]

I’m fortunate, I have traveled and visited beautiful places all over. I love creative people and the beauty they dream up and make it throwing their beings into.

[@voraciousreader3341]

While I’m glad that this exquisite home is being put back together, my mind groans at the stupid demolitions, such as the Apollo sunburst ceiling….who could have brought themselves to destroy that, or even remove it??? People must have had several screws loose, or they had no feeling for beautiful things, or they were so immersed in wealth that they had no taste, or all of the above, to change that place at all.

[@AmaltheaVimes]

I agree! What soulless people do that sort of thing?! Unfortunately, it happens all the time. They just tear the beauty down, throw it into the huge construction waste bins, and put all new, brutalist, modern crap in there. It really is disgusting.

[@flipflopsguy8868]

How Dare the subsequent curators make a place for themselves in his house ! Bravo to the artisan restorers !

[@michaelkither2620]

Intriguing insight, thanks for posting

[@cecilegibbs3539]

Such talent❤

[@Bradsroad]

This is really neat to see our friends across the pond are doing this in preservation efforts, this is something that is done for tv and film here in the states.....when the lighting and props are set, you can hardly tell its created to look like the real thing....years ago i created a wood grain planked floor for the Magnolia Belle trolley for the city of Bossier City,La. ...that was a really fun project to create for the public to be a part of.

[@williamschlenger1518]

Amazing craftsmanship.

[@davidkeogh9276]

Accidentally came across this and have to say a joy to watch,found it very interesting.

[@jakemeyer8188]

Restoring and maintaining amazing works from history is a daunting task. It's such a terrible loss when something is destroyed. In order to safeguard ourselves from such losses in the future, I think we need to make sure that nobody creates anything amazing or wonderful or beautiful from here on out. That way there will be nothing worth saving and we won't feel bad about it being lost or broken.

[@eliseereclus3475]

Marvelous museum : -))))

[@htimsid]

The digital / virtual representation is wonderful. Perhaps this could be a valid way to 'restore' the destroyed Rennie Mackintosh School of Art building in Glasgow.

[@mdsf01]

Absolutely fascinating! Well done.

[@rachelLadyD]

omg I love the Adelphi wall paper people, they are amazing, I could draw patterns there all day happily, learning with the other geeks, sorry I don't see nerd or geek as slur words, its a compliment, obvs...;)

[@randygeyer7673]

Love to see the excitement of the metal worker! :O

[@shelleyharris2850]

Magical

[@AmaltheaVimes]

This just makes me so happy to see! With so many people tearing down the beautiful and old - and replacing it with ugly minimal-brutalism garbage, it's heartening to see a museum which is actually restoring! Of course... Much of it is to repair the damage done by the museum in the past (think of the money that could have been saved.... ), But glad to see it! Now, if museums where i love would follow suit, that would be super!

[@mariellouise1]

I discovered this museum the first time I visited the UK . It be came one of my favorites.

[@millawitt1882]

Just Found this and I LOVE IT!❤ it show the craftsmanship and history and most of all PEOPLE who are passionate about their work and keeping some beautiful history ALIVE👍😀 Absolutely LOVE IT👍😉❤️

[@anaheimdennis]

Outstanding! Incredible! I've really enjoyed this!

[@edstud1]

Incredible!

[@envisionlta]

Great video.

[@ajisaba1000]

there're very nice and much interesting technical skills

[@nicholasfifita560]

A brilliant piece of architecture heritage bequeathed to the nation only to have alterations glad there was no disco ball in the offices that were added.

[@joenisnapje712]

Fascinating 🧐👍🏻

[@opel78Qc]

Amazing work!!

[@alankovacik1928]

incredible!

[@steinermarty3944]

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!

[@chriswitt2596]

Absolutely fascinating!!

[@ericmoore571]

I really enjoyed this!

[@JamesPollMaine59]

Just brilliant in every aspect.

[@manueltan8962]

Good job !

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

Truly magnificent…..👏👏

[@MrMojoRisin71]

Wonderful - what a great documentary.

[@christinehall6441]

What a wonderful place to work.

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

Fantastic work. IRELAND

[@glynluff2595]

What you have to remember is that architects were frequently in opposition to each other and the funding organisations and the Taste yes I spelt that correctly, committees of that period. In the Regency period there was a movement away from Palladio to Greek and Gothic formats. This entailed much research and arguments by the knowledgable of the day and architect’s structures were habitually altered or destroyed within a few years of their death. In that light we should not be so surprised this happened.

[@entropygirll]

thank you i really enjoyed this, so great to see something that was failed be given a new life

[@Tysto]

"Ah, we've been given a masterpiece full of masterpieces and one requirement: preserve it just as it is. Step one, of course, is we tear it to pieces and move stuff around to make some offices."

[@michellerenner6880]

The paper making is fascinating.

[@pjs62ux]

magnificent

[@elizabethredmond4585]

❤Brilliant ❤

[@MariaTorres-hc5uq]

Fun fact: it was rare to have a bath with running water but perfectly normal to have a fireplace in the bathroom. Today it's the other way around...

[@kevinmorrice]

i really love how the original wallpaper and new wallpaper give such a lovely contrast, seeing the old and the new together like that is marvellous, really shows off how talented people can be nowadays

[@isaibanez]

I like to imagine that Soane's ghost pestered generations of his home's users until they gave in and decided to restore his house as his will said XD

[@katherinecrawford8961]

Well done. Some things I will keep in mind for my own personal projects. The little things do matter. :) 41:25

[@Z__K217]

Greetings. That was delicious. The pre-digital world (definitely Victorian) continues to stand out in my mind. Thank you for uploading this !

[@a2das1]

03:08 my best point

[@starkiller9897]

He was graceious enough to donate this to the country yet they destroyed it!! He even wrote in his will on the condition that it remains as is & not changed or sold off in parts!! So what do they do they gut parts of it & make office spaces etc. The people who did this should be sued!! Glad finally there trying to fix the damage to the irreplaceble masterpiece this place was!!

[@jadezee6316]

beyond compare