Portland Place was begun as a speculative venture by the Adam brothers in 1773. No.68 (formerly No.25) was on the east side between Devonshire and Weymouth Streets. It survived until 1957-58 when the neighbouring RIBA building was extended onto the site.

Soane's client was Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, later 1st Lord Gardner (1742-1809). Soane's office Journal 3 records that on 5 May 1795 he 'settled the affairs of house in Portland Place' and on 9 November of that year 'Examined the dry rot'.
Fifteen years later on 18 July 1810 Soane 'went to Lord Gardner's and survey'd the premises' and on 23 August repairs were begun. The first Lord Gardner died on 1 January 1809 so that the later references to 'Lord Gardner' must refer to the oldest son, Alan Hyde Gardner, the 2nd Lord Gardner and, like his father, an Admiral in the Royal Navy.

Literature. P.Dean, Sir John Soane and London, 2006, pp.223-4

Jill Lever
July 2015