I’ve lived in Ealing for several years now, and did visit Pitzhanger Manor a while ago, but it has been closed for three years for refurbishment, only reopening in March of this year. I was happy to finally get the chance to visit this local landmark again.
Pitzhanger Manor was designed by Sir John Soane, the architect who designed the Bank of England and whose central London home is now a museum showcasing the many antiquities he collected during his lifetime. In 1800-1804, when Pitzhanger was being designed and built, Ealing was outside of London and considered the countryside: this was well before the Tube and the expansion of the city. Despite this, Soane would often walk for several hours to reach Pitzhanger on foot.
Pitzhanger Manor was a family home that Soane hoped would nurture architectural ambitions in his sons; he harboured dreams of a Soane architectural dynasty. It functioned as a place of entertainment, playing host to clients and friends, as well as a place to display artworks, including Hogarth’s series A Rake’s Progress. Sadly, Soane’s sons proved disappointments to him, and he eventually sold Pitzhanger, moving back to his Lincoln’s Inn home.
The restoration programme has restored important elements of Soane’s original design, such as the conservatory, which has been rebuilt after originally being demolished in 1901, and a colonnade connecting the Gallery and Manor. Historic paint analysis and attention to the original details of the decor has led to the restoration, wherever possible, of Soane’s original vision.
I also attended the inaugural exhibition in the reopened Gallery, featuring works by Anish Kapoor.
Pitzhanger Manor is well worth a visit, not just for Ealing locals. The Gallery exhibition changes frequently and there are often events going on that are certainly worth a visit.
FACTS
Address: Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 5EQ
Website: https://www.pitzhanger.org.uk/
Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday 11-3
Price: £7.70 standard; £4.95 concessions; £3.50 National Art Pass. Free entry for Ealing residents on Thursdays all day and Sundays 11-2:30.