If These Walls Could Talk… Exploring the History of Pitzhanger Manor and Turner’s House Through Their Architecture and Custodians
Built as the dream homes of Sir John Soane and J.M.W. Turner, Pitzhanger Manor and Turner’s House have witnessed centuries of change – shaped by their owners, transformed through time, and now standing as cultural and artistic landmarks.
In this 250th year since Turner’s birth, Join Eddie Heathcote (Architecture & Design Critic), Gillian Darley (Author of ‘John Soane: An Accidental Romantic’) and Catherine Parry-Wingfield art historian who initiated the campaign to save and conserve Sandycombe Lodge, Turner’s house as they explore the layered and little known past of these spaces. This talk invites you to rethink how buildings embody voices across generations.
Edwin Heathcote is the architecture and design critic of The Financial Times. He is author of about a dozen books including The Meaning of Home and is an architect and designer. Heathcote is also the Keeper of Meaning at The Cosmic House in London as well as the founder and editor of the online design writing archive readingdesign.org. He lives in London.
Gillian Darley is a widely published writer on architecture and landscape, and her biography of John Soane was published by Yale UP in 1999. A regular broadcaster, she took part in the recent In Our Time episode on Soane.
Catherine Parry-Wingfield is an art historian and initiated the campaign to save and conserve Sandycombe Lodge, Turner’s house near Twickenham, for the nation. She chaired Turner’s House Trust from 2013 to 2019 and was a member of the conservation project team. Her two booklets, J. M. W. Turner, R.A. – the artist and his house at Twickenham and J. M. W. Turner and ‘the Matchless Vale of Thames’, are on sale at Turner’s House.
Thursday 5 June 2025
6.45-7.45 pm
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticket also grants you access to Pitzhanger Manor, all exhibitions, and free Thursday Lates activities on the night.
If you wish to view the house and gallery before the talk, this ticket grants you entry from 5pm onwards.
Please contact pitzhanger@pitzhanger.org.uk for more information.
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Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery
Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ
Ticketing, Opening Hours and Tour Enquiries: foh@pitzhanger.org.uk
Retail Enquires: retail@pitzhanger.org.uk
Reception: 020 3985 8888
Venue Hire: 020 3994 0966
Office: 020 3994 0967
Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
First Thursday of the month: 10:00 - 20:00
Monday - Tuesday: Closed
Bank Holidays: 10:00 - 17:00
Last admissions one hour before closing
Partial Closure: 5 August, 11am–4pm
Please note that the Breakfast Room, Library, Small Drawing Room, and Conservatory in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 11am–4pm on 5 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Thursday Late: Garden Party, 6 August
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is open as usual on Thursday 6 August, 10am–8pm. For visits before 3pm, please continue to book general admission as normal.
Our special Thursday Late: Garden Party takes place from 3pm–8pm and has a separate booking page.
For the Garden Party, all tickets are Pay What You Can. Choose to pay £7, £5, £3, £1, or visit free of charge.
For visits from 3pm onwards, please book through the Thursday Late: Garden Party event page.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 8 August
Pitzhanger Manor will be closed from noon–5pm on Saturday 8 August for a private event.
The main gallery and café remain open as usual.
Ticketing arrangements for the afternoon are currently being confirmed. Please check back before booking your visit.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 22 August, 2–4pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 2–4pm on 22 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 28 August, 3–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 3–5pm on 28 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 8 August
Pitzhanger Manor will be closed from 1.30pm–5pm on Saturday 5 September for a private event.
The main gallery and café remain open as usual.
Ticketing arrangements for the afternoon are currently being confirmed. Please check back before booking your visit.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 6 September, 1–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 1–5pm on 6 September for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 20 September, 11am–2pm
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 11am–2pm on 20 September for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
Partial Closure: 17 October, 3–5pm
Please note that the Eating Room and the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 3–5pm on 17 October for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Questions? Email us at foh@pitzhanger.org.uk.
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