Curator Dr Louise Stewart leads a tour of Georgian Illuminations, an exhibition of works on paper focusing on the spectacular illuminations which were popular in the Georgian period.

The exhibition concentrates on specific, well-publicised light shows of the period and the impressive and the elaborate temporary architectural structures created for them, often designed by leading architects and artists, including Soane. Royal entertainments, pleasure gardens, national celebrations, and illuminations by Soane all feature, demonstrating that these ephemeral cultural practices were drivers of architectural and technological innovation.

Newly discovered vast linen transparencies, which were back lit in Georgian windows as patriotic decoration during the Napoleonic Wars, are displayed on lightboxes for the first time in the Foyle Space.

This tour is now sold out.

About the event

Your confirmation email serves as your ticket. The tour begins promptly at 15.00 in the Exhibition Gallery. Please enter via Number 12 Lincoln's Inn Fields where we will have a list of names on the door.

We are in a Grade I listed, 19th-century building, so access is not always straightforward. If you require step-free access or extra assistance, please contact us in advance of your booking on admin@soane.org.uk or 020 7405 2107.

Image: Décoration du feu d'artifice tiré à Londres en rejouissance de la paix en 1763 [artist and engraver unknown]. Copyright: Gerald Coke Handel Foundation.