John Soane 3 - The Bank of England - AB+C 113

In the third episode of our ongoing series on John Soane, we discussed his magnum opus, and one of the most entrancing lost buildings ever: The Bank of England. This vast administrative complex signalled the transformation of London into the capital of a modern imperial state, but by the 1930s, after just a century of its existence, the bank had outgrown Soane's intricate and weighty toplit classicism and the whole thing was demolished. We attempt here to imagine what it was really like, why it was like that, and how Soane achieved it.
If you enjoy the show, please consider subscribing to our Patreon for access to bonus content: / about_buildings
Edited by Matthew Lloyd Roberts.

[@nicholasjohnson479]

Another great series from Luke and George- I'm visiting the Soane museum soon, so this provided much of the backstory of the man and his work. I like your comments about how he was adept at 'fudging' but agree with you that this is a sign of the flexible, imaginative architect rather than one who has somehow failed- Palladio did something similar in his town houses, I believe. And your observation about constraint bringing out the best in Soane is spot on- too much licence and creativity dries up (eh Frankie Boyle?). A great three-parter.

[@about_buildings]

Thanks so much Nicholas! We've got more episodes on Soane coming soon

[@randalllexon9037]

I absolutely love the pink poche' sections. Thanks my friends. As always, I am enjoying and learning with each episode. Great stuff

[@jonightingale]

This is amazing - your understanding of, and insights into, this complex building that hasn't existed for 100 years have blown me away.
I used to work at the Royal Pavilion, and a local VR modelling enthusiast was reconstructing the now-missing parts of the site from George IV's day. I wonder if he would tackle this challenge...

[@MrBomuch]

Epic

[@wystan1000]

McKim Mead and White were obviously fans.