Sir John Soane’s Museum is delighted to announce Nika Neelova and Paul Noble as the Soane’s 2024 Artists-in-Residence. Both artists will bring their remarkable work into the very heart of Sir John Soane’s historic architectural practice: his Drawing Office. Nika Neelova and Paul Noble follow in the footsteps of Sam Belinfante and Ella Baron, who were the inaugural Artists-in-Residence and the first creative practitioners to work in this unique space for two centuries.

The Drawing Office was where Soane’s draftsmen and apprentices worked on his celebrated projects. Just as Sir John Soane supported the next generation of architectural talent, the Soane continues to support and champion creative production to this day. The opening of the Drawing Office has enabled the Soane to host two three-month residencies each year (in the Spring and the Autumn).

Not only do the two residents have the opportunity to work in the Office, but they also have access to the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, events and education programmes to inspire and inform their work.

A microsite charting the restoration of the Drawing Office and the ongoing work of the residents, as well as information on how to join a tour of the space, can be found at drawingoffice.soane.org. A digital fly through of the Drawing Office is available to explore on explore.soane.org.

Will Gompertz, Deborah Loeb Brice Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum, said “The Drawing Office was the beating heart of Soane’s architectural practice, where he instructed his pupils in the art of architecture. It’s a joy to all of us at the Museum that we’re able to welcome a new generation of talented creative practitioners into this unique space. Nika and Paul are extraordinary artists, who we hope will enormously enjoy their time working with our team and being inspired by Soane’s incredible collection.”

Nika Neelova, Sir John Soane’s Museum Artist-in-Residence for 2024, said “Sir John Soane’s Museum has been an immense source of inspiration for my work since the first time I visited a decade ago, when I was doing my MA at the Slade. Soane’s fascination with weaving complex and intricate narratives into the interiors of the building – grown around artefacts spanning millennia and referencing architecture, archaeology, history, mythology woven together – brought into existence a unique and timeless place. It’s a privilege to be able to work from the Drawing Office, experience the inner fabric of this Museum and learn from its many histories and the many people associated with it. ”

Paul Noble, Sir John Soane’s Museum Artist-in-Residence for 2024, said “I hope to find a new rule that will get the measure both of myself and John Soane.”