In this virtual lecture, Mr. Knox will discuss the parallel lives of the architect and collector, John Soane, and the wealthy arbiter of taste, Thomas Hope, who were both operating in London in the early years of the nineteenth century. Soane and Hope clearly knew each other, and in many ways their interest in architecture and collecting activities were highly complementary. Yet, evidence of any close collaboration is elusive, and the very complete survival today of Soane’s house-museum and collections, including his Library and personal archive, contrasts only too sadly with the loss of so much of Thomas Hope’s legacy.

This lecture is being given in memory of Philip Hewat-Jaboor (1953-2022), an admirer of Sir John Soane and an ardent disciple of Thomas Hope, whose work he studied and collected.