George Soane (Originally published anonymously) The Present Low State of the Arts in England and more particularly of Architecture Dimensions: 594 x 841 mm Published by Widow Swan 2013 Price: 30€ email for further details
Description: The notable English architect Sir Johan Soane (1753-1837), responsible for the Bank of England buildings (from 1788), Dulwich Picture Gallery (1811-1817) and the dinning rooms at 10 & 11 Downing Street, London, was singled out for acute criticism in this two part anonymous article (published in The Champion newspaper 10 and 24 September, 1815). It transpired that the article had been written by his son, George. Following this disclosure his mother wrote 'He [George] has given me my death blow. I shall never be able to hold up my head again'. She died a couple of months after publication of the article. The broadside ends with a subsequent letter to the editor from George Soane, and almost an apology.