By 1829-30 when Soane's first Descripton of his house was drafted this sculpture was on the main staircase, in a recess just above the first floor landing, described as follows: the first object that presents itself is a Bust of "the aspiring youth who fired the Ephesian Dome"* [f.n. * King Richard III] by Thomas Banks, R.A. Next to this monster is a Picture painted by Francis Danby, R.A. The fact that Soane was prepared to describe his son as a monster in print in this way testifies to the total break-down of their relationship after the death of Eliza Soane in 1815, which Soane attributed to the publication of two articles criticising his father published by George less than two months earlier.

In the private family correspondence between George and his parents there is a somewhat melodramatic letter from George to his mother dated December 23rd 2014 (SM Archives 16/20, George Soane correspondence ..., f.189-190) in which 'with death before my eyes' he implores her to look after his wife, Agnes, adding 'I should much wish you to give my bust by Banks to my dear Agnes, with a request that she shall keep it for my boy as a memorial of his father. I ams also anxious that you should keep the picture'. In a second postscript to the letter he again repeats 'I ... implore you to be kind to Agnes, the boy is the very image of yourself, remember too the bust. G. Soane'.

The bust is displayed on a pedestal supported by two snarling lion monopodia (see Soane SC69.A).

Commissioned by Soane from the sculptor.

Sir John Soane, Description, 1832, p.23.

Thomas Banks 1735-1805: Britain's First Modern Sculptor, Sir John Soane's Museum, London, 21 January - 9 April 2005

SC69.A, stand