Soane Museum takes study tour to Rome

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A promotion on behalf of Sir John Soane's Museum

As part of its adult education programme, for the week of 22–29 September, Sir John Soane’s Museum has arranged Soane in Rome, a unique painting holiday and study tour, giving the chance to relive the age of the Grand Tour and follow in the footsteps of Soane himself.

Experienced artist, author and tutor James Willis will lead the tour, taking the group to work on location at some of Rome’s most famous ancient sites, including: the Roman Forum; the Pantheon; the Colosseum; the Arch of Constantine; D’Este Gardens and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli; the Borghese Gardens; and the Baths of Caracalla.  The tour will also visit Saint Peter’s Basillica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and includes an overnight stay at Tivoli, close to the famous Temple of Vesta, which so inspired Soane.

Beth Walker, the Soane Museum’s Head of Education, who is organizing and joining the tour, explains: ‘We are delighted to be able to offer art and architecture enthusiasts this fantastic week-long trip exploring the architecture of Rome, which so inspired Soane.  Through guided talks and tours, daily demonstrations, as well as sketching and painting projects with James Willis, we hope participants will enjoy the chance to learn more about and absorb the beauty of, some of the most fascinating architectural wonders of the world’.

Soane in Rome students will stay at the British School at Rome, where they can enjoy the relaxed and informal atmosphere, join fellow residents for dinner in the evenings, make use of the school’s extensive library, attend informal lectures and look at rare items from the school’s collection of antiquarian books.

The school, built by Sir Edwin Lutyens at the beginning of the 20^th century, is centrally located near to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Borghese Gardens.  It is a short walk to the Piazza del Popolo, the metro and the centre of the city.

Professor Christopher Smith, Director of the British School at Rome, adds:  ‘My colleagues and I are delighted to be associated with Sir John Soane’s Museum in welcoming the Soane in Rome tour to the British School at Rome.  We sincerely hope participants will enjoy their stay as members of this very special community of research and artistic practice, and visitors to one of Europe’s greatest cities’.

Soane in Rome offers places for up to 16 people and the cost of the trip is £1,995 per person, plus an optional single room supplement of £140.  For more information about the Soane in Rome study tour, contact Beth Walker on 020 7440 4254, email [email protected] or visit www.soane.org  Please mention Cassone when you enquire or book.