Sydney Smirke Collection

Reading Room of the Great Library at the British Museum seen from the Entrance, c1935. The circular Reading Room of the British Museum in central London was designed by Sydney Smirke (1798-1877)

The Conservative Club, St. Jamess Street, London, c1840, (1947). Creator: Woods
The Conservative Club, St. Jamess Street, London, c1840, (1947). View of the Conservative Club, a gentlemens club which occupied premises in St Jamess Street until 1959

Bethlehem Hospital, (c1878). Creator: Unknown
Bethlehem Hospital, (c1878). View of the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in London dating back to the 13th century

Bedrooms in Florence, the house of the English Consul in Agrigentum, and the Casa Borromeo, Lake Maggiore
5996419 Bedrooms in Florence, the house of the English Consul in Agrigentum, and the Casa Borromeo, Lake Maggiore, Italy (colour litho) by Brooks

Aerial view of the British Museum, London (b / w photo)
5996682 Aerial view of the British Museum, London (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Aerial view of the British Museum, London)

Sydney Smirke, Esquire, RA (engraving)
1098396 Sydney Smirke, Esquire, RA (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sydney Smirke, Esquire, RA)

Sydney Smirke, RA (engraving)
1049807 Sydney Smirke, RA (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sydney Smirke, RA)

The New Reading-Room, British Museum, published in The Illustrated London News
XJF441266 The New Reading-Room, British Museum, published in The Illustrated London News, May 9 1857 (engraving) by English School

The New Exeter Change, 1844. Creator: Unknown
The New Exeter Change, 1844. London shopping arcade designed by Sydney Smirke: between Wellington-street, North, and Catherine-street, Strand...contains ten neat shops

[Sydney Smirke], 1860s. Creator: John & Charles Watkins
[Sydney Smirke], 1860s

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England, London, Interior of the Great Court and Reading Room domed roof designed by Sydney Smirke

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England, London, Interior of the Great Court and Reading Room domed roof designed by Sydney Smirke

The Reading Room at the British Museum, London, c1903 (1903). The Reading Room was designed by Sydney Smirke (1798-1877). Construction began in 1854 and was completed in 1857

The New Reading-Room at the British Museum, in course of construction, engraved by C
XJF441280 The New Reading-Room at the British Museum, in course of construction, engraved by C.W.Sheeres, published in The Illustrated London News, April 14 1855 (engraving) by English School

British Museum Reading Room, artwork
Reading Room, British Museum, London, UK, artwork. This was a larger replacement for the original reading room. It was built in the central courtyard of the museum building

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Sydney Smirke: A Master Architect and Visionary of his Time Sydney Smirke, a renowned architect of the 19th century, left an indelible mark on London's architectural landscape. His exceptional talent can be witnessed in iconic structures such as the Reading Room of the Great Library at the British Museum, seen from the Entrance in a captivating photograph from around 1935. Smirke's genius extended beyond libraries; he also designed The Conservative Club on St. James's Street, London, captured beautifully in a snapshot dating back to approximately 1840. This masterpiece by Woods showcases Smirke's ability to blend elegance with functionality seamlessly. Venturing further into his portfolio reveals bedrooms adorned with opulence and charm. From Florence to Agrigentum and Casa Borromeo on Lake Maggiore in Italy, these color lithographs transport us into spaces that exude sophistication and refinement. The grandeur of Sydney Smirke's work was not limited to interiors alone; he also had an eye for capturing breathtaking aerial views. An awe-inspiring black-and-white photograph depicts an aerial view of the British Museum—an institution that benefited greatly from his visionary contributions. Recognized for his immense talent, Sydney Smirke earned himself prestigious titles like Esquire and RA (Royal Academician). These engravings immortalize him as both an artist and mastermind behind some of London's most iconic structures. One cannot overlook his significant role in transforming cultural institutions either—the New Reading-Room at the British Museum stands as a testament to this fact. Published in The Illustrated London News during its time, it showcased how Smirke revolutionized public spaces through innovative design concepts. His influence extended beyond museums; he played a pivotal role in shaping commercial architecture too. The New Exeter Change—a structure whose creator remains unknown—stands tall as another example of Sydney Smirke's vision brought to life.