Soane in Rome:  in association with the Sir John Soane's Museum, London

This unique painting holiday and study tour gives you the chance to relive the age of the Grand Tour by working on location in some of Rome’s most famous ancient sites, including the Roman Forum, the Temple of Vesta and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli and the Baths of Caracalla. Beth Walker, the Soane Museum’s Head of Education, will be joining the group to assist you with any additional needs you may have.
The weeklong trip will explore the architecture of Rome, which so inspired Soane through guided talks and tours, daily demonstrations, as well as sketching and painting projects with James.

A programme will include two days at Tivoli, providing the opportunity to work at Hadrian’s Villa and the Temple of Vesta : both important influences on Soane’s architecture.

Staying at the British School at Rome for the visit will give a relaxed, informal feel to the trip with the benefits of joining fellow residents for dinner in the evenings, making use of the school’s extensive library, attending informal lectures and looking at rare items from the schools collection of antiquarian books.  The school, built by Sir Edwin Lutyens at the beginning of the twentieth century, is located near to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Borghese Gardens.  It is a short walk to the Piazza del Popolo and the metro and the centre of the city.

The British School has clean and simple accommodation with a shared bathroom facilities.   Breakfast and dinner are held in the main dining hall during the week collegiate style with the other residents and guests.  

The style of this Soane holiday will be informal and relaxed, with many opportunities to paint along with your tutor or explore the ancient sites independently.   The central, orange tree lined courtyard at the British School provides the perfect place to meet for demonstrations and discussions at the beginning of the day or to unwind before dinner in the evening.  You will be encouraged to develop your sketching and painting techniques and approaches at the daily location and a list of suggested materials to bring is available.

To learn more about James Willis click here 

This holiday is on behalf of the Sir John Soanes Museum

Summary Itinerary

Price includes: Scheduled flights, airport transfers in Rome and coach to Tivoli, 7 nights accommodation,  all meals (packed lunches),  public transport travel card, entrance fees, British School Rome fee, tutor and host from Sir John Soane Museum.