An £8m development of Sir John Soane's Ealing home, Pitzhanger Manor, has taken a step forward with the formation of Pitzhanger Manor Trust.
A complete restoration of the great British architect's house is proposed, aiming to reveal Soane design detail and open up closed and hidden rooms to the public for the first time. Visitors will also benefit from new interpretation and research, an expanded learning programme and better visitors services (ie. a cafe).
Pitzhanger Manor Trust will work with Ealing Council on the project, helping to raise awareness and begin fundraising for the £5m which will be needed in addition to a substantial grant from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) — soon to be applied for — to complete the work. All being well on the finance front, Pitzhanger will close to the public in summer 2014 and reopen in 2016.
Separate funding has already been secured from HLF for improvements to beautiful Walpole Park, restoring nineteenth century landscaping around the house.
In the meantime, Pitzhanger Manor is free to visit and full of architectural interest as well as great views across the park. On the side you'll find PM Gallery which is West London's biggest gallery space hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Many thanks to photographers curry15, HoosierSands and Nootashey for sharing their photos in the Londonist Flickrpool.