Soane launches restoration appeal
It's vital that we all work to protect our local cultural heritage - particularly when the asset is of national importance
The Opening Up the Soane project, launched by historian Dan Cruickshank on Thursday 24 July, is expected to give architects a major opportunity to design the redevelopment of the museum, the former home of 19th century architect John Soane. Museum bosses have raised £2 million and hope to raise a further £4.3 million to improve visitor facilities, disabled access and circulation around the building, after failing to win a £3.3 million Heritage
Lottery Fund grant in June.Museum director Tim Knox said wear and tear to the building's passages, exhibits and historic painted surfaces from 93,000 visitors a year had become a serious problem.
Fifteen original interiors will be restored, including Soane's private apartment, and hundreds of unseen artefacts including his collection of over 100 architectural models put on display.
"It's the slow attrition of the museum and its special characteristics that we are worried about," Knox said. "It has to be done now because the queues aren't getting any shorter and the museum is not getting any younger.
"Everything is becoming more and more valuable, and if we don't act now I think we would be accused of neglecting our duties. There is a sense of urgency."
Visit the Sir John Soane Museum at www.soane.org
It's vital that we all work to protect our local cultural heritage - particularly when the asset is of national importance
