Soane’s Library consists of just over 6,000 titles, and is the
only surviving professional library of an architect in the early 19th century.
Regarded as the father of the architectural profession in Britain by the end of
his life, Soane was Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy, and to some
extent evolved his collections as a teaching tool for architectural students,
including the young men in his own office.
Well known as a connoisseur and
collector, Soane was also interested in technical innovation, all of which is
reflected in his Library. Novels, travel books, cookery, gardening, religion
and politics are all represented. Exceptionally, not only are the books preserved in their
original setting, but also the sale catalogues, receipts, booksellers’ lists and prospectuses which underpin the
Library, enabling us to say, in the case of many books, when and where Soane
purchased them and for how much.
Books can be searched via the Books Advanced Search option: