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Did you know? Sir John Soane was renowned not just for his architectural genius but also for his intellectual banquets at Pitzhanger Manor

February 2024

Hosting the beau monde of the 1800s, Soane would gather for dinner at Pitzhanger luminaries of the worlds of arts, culture and politics. He prided himself on hosting what he termed ‘intellectual banquets’ where his friends would discuss the hot topics of the day. Guests included his great friend and fellow Academician JMW Turner, Louis Philippe, future King of France, and Francis Bourgeois, whose collection formed the basis of the future Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Image credit: @Maison Fête

Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Soane’s country house built 1800-1804 in what was then rural Ealing, has recently undergone a significant renovation to restore Soane's original designs. This includes the Eating Room, where Soane would host his lavish dinner parties, and the Upper Drawing Room, to which his guests would withdraw with its elegant hand-painted Chinese wallpaper and a decorated ceiling that Soane retained in homage to his mentor, architect George Dance the Younger.

Image credit: @Maison Fête

Today, Pitzhanger stands not just as a monument to Soane's legacy but as a vibrant event venue. Whether you are looking to host a party that echoes the intellectual banquets of Soane's time, or simply wish to immerse your guests in the elegance of Soane’s unique take on the neo-classical, Pitzhanger Manor offers a breathtaking backdrop.

Image credit: @ Henry Reichhold

Unique Venues of London is delighted to welcome Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery to its collection of venues. Explore the spaces available and discover a venue where history and elegance meet, offering an unparalleled setting for your private events. Let your gathering be the next chapter in the story of Pitzhanger Manor.

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