Apart from a renowned architect, Sir John Soane was also a devoted art collector. Designed during 1823-1824, the Picture Room showcases the Soanes’ collection of oil paintings, watercolours, and sketches by artists including Hogarth, Canaletto, Turner, and Piranesi.

Within this relatively narrow room, Soane used several ingenious designs to extend the sense of space. The Picture Room is well-lit by natural light from above via the ceiling described by Soane as “arched canopies”, a feature that can be found repeatedly within the Museum. Upon entering the Picture Room, visitors encounter three Canaletto paintings featured above the fireplace, creating a window effect. 

One of the most innovative features of Soane’s Picture Room is the moving “picture planes” with hinges that can be opened. Behind these panels, Soane was able to display more paintings, including one of Hogarth’s most renowned series, A Rake’s Progress. This architectural feature allows Soane to fill the small 13-by-12-foot room with 118 paintings, a collection large enough for a room three times its size. This also triples the original National Gallery’s collection, started with only 38 paintings in 1824. Guests on Private Tours at Sir John Soane's Musuem will see both the North and South Picture Planes opened and get to hear the tales of this unique collection.