Green Plaque Installed on Mattock Lane for Sir John Soane |
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Neo-classical architect honoured at entrance to Pitzhanger Manor
June 28, 2023 Ealing Civic Society have installed a new green plaque in celebration of the life of Sir John Soane (1753 – 1837). The plaque is on the wall of the lodge building beside the entrance arch to Pitzhanger Manor on Mattock Lane. The society acknowledges that the commemoration is perhaps overdue given the neo-classical architects close association with the area. Soane built and lived in Pitzhanger Manor, one of Ealing’s two Grade 1 listed structures. He was particularly known for his designs for Bank of England and the Dulwich Picture Gallery, as well as Pitzhanger Manor. He bought the manor in 1800 and largely rebuilt it over the next four years. He then used it as his country home until 1810, regularly walking between Pitzhanger and his town house, now the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. The society has so far installed 17 green plaques around Ealing to people as diverse as Ada Lovelace, Fred Perry, Dusty Springfield and Winnie the Pooh. Ealing Civic Society was established in 1967 when many of its founding members were closely involved with residents’ associations opposed the Council’s radical plans to re-develop the centre of Ealing. It aims to help make Ealing become once more a successful and attractive place to live, work, spend leisure time or run a business. Its Annual Awards recognise and encourage good design in new and refurbished buildings in the Borough and it is not connected with any political party or the Council.
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