Description of the House and Museum on the North Side of Lincoln's Inn Fields.

presentation copy

Inscription to half title reads: to/ Madame Houpeal (?)/ & Miss Christie/ with the authors compl. /& best wishes/ not published. 'Miss Christie' is a known friend of Soane who regularly appears in his diaries as a guest to dining functions in his home.

Sir John Soane (1753–1837), architect, was born on 10 September 1753, probably at Goring-on-Thames, where his father was employed as a bricklayer. From this modest beginning he rose to become architect to the Bank of England and President of the Institute of British Architects.

Over 30 years Soane built and designed his house and filled it with his collections of art, furniture, and antiques. It was 'one of the most complex, intricate, and ingenious series of interiors ever conceived' (Oxford Dictionary of Architecture) and stands now as Sir John Soane's Museum. With thanks to Dr Frances Sands, Curator of Drawings & Books at Sir John Soane's Museum, for identifying Miss Christie as appearing in Soane's engagement books.

First edition, presentation copy; 4to (33 x 26 cm); presentation inscription to half title, 17 lithograph plates, scattered light spotting; original card backed drab boards with paper label to upper board, extremities a little worn, a very good copy; [vi], 56pp. One of only 250 printed for private distribution.