Overview

London Festival of Architecture: If These Walls Could Talk… Exploring the History of Pitzhanger Manor and Turner’s House Through Their Architecture and Custodians

Built as the dream homes of Sir John Soane and J.M.W. Turner, Pitzhanger Manor and Turner’s House have witnessed centuries of change – shaped by their owners, transformed through time, and now standing as cultural and artistic landmarks.

In this 250th year since Turner’s birth, Join Jennifer Francis (Director, Turner’s House), Gillian Darley (Author of ‘John Soane: An Accidental Romantic’) and Eddie Heathcote (Architecture & Design Critic) as they explore the layered and little known past of these spaces – from Turner’s House as a WWII ‘shadow factory’ to Pitzhanger’s legacy with the Perceval sisters. This talk invites you to rethink how buildings embody voices across generations.

About Eddie Heathcote

Edwin Heathcote is the architecture and design critic of The Financial Times. He is author of about a dozen books including The Meaning of Home and is an architect and designer. Heathcote is also the Keeper of Meaning at The Cosmic House in London as well as the founder and editor of the online design writing archive readingdesign.org. He lives in London.

About Jennifer Francis

Jennifer Francis is an experienced museum professional who has held several senior leadership roles at art, heritage and social history institutions across the world. Currently, she is the Museum Director at Turner’s House, leading on strategy, planning, marketing and fundraising. Most recently, Jennifer served as the Director of External Affairs at the Museum of London with responsibility for Fundraising, Digital Innovation and Marketing Communications, Brand and Tourism. Prior to that she worked as the Director of Marketing and Brand at Grounds For Sculpture New Jersey, and as Director, Marketing, Communication and Visitor Services at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where she oversaw the successful launch of the museum, its media relations, global exposure, agency and community liaison nationally and internationally, audience growth, philanthropy and income generation.

About Gillian Darley

Gillian Darley is a widely published writer on architecture and landscape, and her biography of John Soane was published by Yale UP in 1999. A regular broadcaster, she took part in the recent In Our Time episode on Soane.