FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Soane Foundation Announces Major Conservation Initiative for William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress
New York, NY — October 22, 2025] — The Soane Foundation is proud to announce its support of a landmark conservation project: the restoration of A Rake’s Progress by William Hogarth, one of the most significant works in the collection of Sir John Soane’s Museum in London. This once-in-a-generation initiative will ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of this iconic 18th-century series, which has inspired artists and audiences for over two centuries.
A Rake’s Progress, comprising eight original oil paintings, has hung in Soane’s Picture Room since 1824 and is widely considered a cornerstone of English visual culture. From Igor Stravinsky to David Hockney, generations of creatives have drawn inspiration from Hogarth’s vivid narrative of moral decline and societal critique.
The restoration of A Rake’s Progress coincides with the 200th anniversary of the Picture Room, which houses 118 works from Soane’s personal collection. Over the next three years, a team of expert conservators will undertake a comprehensive study and treatment of the paintings in close collaboration with the National Gallery in London and Factum Arte. This work will not only preserve Hogarth’s masterwork for future generations, but will also enhance public access to the collection through new digital content, education initiatives, and scholarly research.
Through its fundraising efforts, the Soane Foundation is committed to adopting one of the eight paintings, helping to underwrite this vital conservation work. Donations of all sizes are welcome, and every gift will contribute directly to safeguarding one of the Museum’s most treasured holdings.
Upon completion of the project, A Rake’s Progress will be reinstalled in its original location within the Picture Room’s innovative moving planes, displayed in a new climate-controlled environment designed to support long-term preservation.
Project Outcomes and Public Engagement
This collaborative effort between Sir John Soane’s Museum, the National Gallery, Factum Arte, and leading individual conservators will result in a wide range of public-facing outcomes, including:
- A special exhibition exploring the restoration process
- A richly illustrated publication detailing the technical and historical discoveries made during conservation
- A one-day academic symposium, both in person and online, offering insights from conservators, historians, and curators
Additionally, the Museum has partnered with award-winning BBC filmmaker Jonathan Crane to produce a documentary chronicling the full scope of the project. A series of twelve short videos designed for social media will spotlight key milestones in the restoration, featuring commentary from expert conservators and cultural figures such as satirist and journalist Ian Hislop, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid, and actress Dame Joanna Lumley.
This expanded digital storytelling initiative reflects the Soane’s commitment to deepening public engagement and making art and conservation more accessible to global audiences.
Innovation Through Collaboration
The Museum has commissioned Factum Arte to create high-resolution 3D scans and high-quality facsimiles of the paintings. These digital and physical reproductions will support a pilot educational program, offering new opportunities for learning and outreach.
This conservation project exemplifies the power of collaboration to foster innovation, strengthen communities, and ensure the legacy of historic works for generations to come.
Support the Project
To learn more about the conservation of A Rake’s Progress and to make a contribution, please follow this link Help Restore A Rake’s Progress or visit soanefoundation.org. Your support will help preserve this seminal work and advance the Soane Foundation’s mission to champion the legacy of Sir John Soane and his Museum.
Media Contact:
Bill Appleton
Executive Director
Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation
info@soanefoundatoin.org
(212) 655-7626