It was a true pleasure — and a distinct honour — to have been invited by the Trustees of Sir John Soane’s Museum for the recent event:
Curators in Conversation: A Golden Age of Architecture.
Our sincere gratitude goes to them for arranging and hosting such a memorable and illuminating evening, dedicated to the new online exhibition on John Thorpe and the Smythsons.
For those of us involved with sites like Soulton Hall, a surviving example of 16th-century building and design, the talk was especially resonant: we are constantly seeking to understand the mindset that shaped these early modern structures.
Wollaton Hall as drawn by John Thorpe
The evening provided a vital framework for setting in context our own stones bricks and timbers.
The discussion itself was compelling.
Hearing the co-curators: Dr. Manolo Guerci (University of Kent) and Dr. Olivia Horsfall Turner (RIBA), speak about their research — expertly moderated by Dr. Frances Sands (Soane Museum) — gave real insight into Tudor minds that shaped England’s great houses.
The focus on the Book of Architecture of John Thorpe and the Smythson drawings highlighted just how pivotal a moment the Tudor and Jacobean periods were.
These architects were not just building.
They were formulating a sophisticated, intellectual language of design that moved far beyond simple tradition.
It was fascinating to learn how these rare drawings, in some cases of imagined buildings or of building lost to us beyond the drawings, speak volumes about the era and the ambitions of builders across England, including those at Soulton.
The Trustees truly provided an unforgettable setting.
Korybantes reliefss in the Soan Museam
To experience the Museum’s atmospheric, Grade I listed rooms after hours, illuminated solely by candlelight, was also magical.
It provided a quiet, reflective complementubg the historical inquiries.
A particular highlight was the chance to view a physical display of drawings chosen from the exhibition, presented right there in the room.
Seeing the genuine hand-drawn work of these masters up close added a wonderful dimension to the history we were discussing.
Smythson drawing of the upper chamber in Bolsover
The evening concluded beautifully with a generous drinks reception in the drawing rooms, allowing for conversation and reflection among those who share a passion for this remarkable period.
My thanks once more to the Trustees for hosting such an enriching, engaging, and unique occasion. It was a fantastic reminder of the brilliance of England’s architectural Golden Age.
