Sir John Soane’s Museum Residency

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Within Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Drawing Office is the earliest surviving example of a working architectural office. To mark the 200th anniversary of its installation, Sir John Soane’s Museum began a programme of restoration, new multi-layered digital interpretation, and the launch of the Museum’s first residency programme in 2023. The Drawing Office sits in the heart of the Museum, accessed via a staircase outside Soane’s celebrated Picture Room.

The historic importance of the Museum, its archive and collections are well known. What is less well known is the work the Museum does with contemporary artists and the relevance of the Museum and its collection to artists, architects and designers practicing now . The residency will enable Sir John Soane’s Museum to develop its work with contemporary practitioners, whilst complementing the broader work of the organisation.

Two artist residents will be hosted annually, for three months each, during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).

The Drawing Office was where Soane’s draftsmen and apprenticeships worked up his celebrated projects. Just as Soane supported the next generation of architectural talent, the restoration of the Drawing Office in 2023 marked the beginning of a new residency programme at the Soane. Two three-month residents are hosted per year (in the Spring and the Autumn). The two residents are able to work in the Office and will also be able to use the Museum’s collection, exhibitions and education programme to inspire and inform their work.

We are grateful to the Clare McKeon Charitable Trust for supporting the Artist at Soane residency programme.

Our two residents for 2024 were sculptor Nika Neelova and artist Paul Noble; both of whom will be exhibiting at the Museum in 2025.

ELIGIBILITY
We intend this exciting new opportunity to be as open as possible to engage with a wide range of artists, architects, designers and makers at all stages of their careers, and to be understanding of their individual circumstances. Those working in all disciplines are encouraged to enter, who practice both observational and conceptual work. Drawing must be central to all applicants’ practice. Entries will be accepted from individuals and collaborations. The Museum is keen to encourage residents to engage with departments across the Museum including the archive, library, education and commercial activities etc. It is important to the Museum that the artist is able to fully commit to the residency taking account of any regular commitments, and this will be checked before the interview stage.

ACCESS &
RESTRICTIONS
The Drawing Office sits within a Grade 1 listed building, and its size makes the possibility of making work in the space very limited. In addition, the temperature and conditions may limit the kind of work that can be made, however in addition to working in dry materials in the Office, residents will be able to use the Museum’s collections, exhibitions or education programme, related scholarship or the commercial operation as inspiration for their time at the Soane. Applicants should be aware that restrictions will be in place to protect the Museum’s collections.

The Office is accessed via a narrow staircase. Applicants with specific access requirements are eligible to apply, but as there is no lift, alternative working arrangements will be provided.

Applications for spring and autumn residencies in 2025 are now open; click on the portal below to find out more.

Apply now
Residency