Stately Homes with
Art/Decorative Art
Much of the most sought after art in
the world is and has been owned by private collectors. Fortunately for
us, through a combination of philanthropy and estate taxes, many of
these are now open to the public run by private foundations. What
better way to see art displayed than in it's natural setting for which
it was painted, creating that dramatic focal point of a room of
importance? These homes have been lovingly cared for and many have
interiors designed by the famed architects Inigo Jones and Robert Adam.
Let's start with the finest resident in the UK, Buckingham Palace. As
mentioned before, Buckingham Palace is only open during part of August
and September each year. Check their site for times and pre purchasing
your tickets as they are timed for entry. If you are there during this
time, do not miss it, especially if art/decorative art is of great
interest to you. The queen has one of the finest collections of art and
antiques in the world. The audio tour is very informative and you also
get a chance to walk through her beautiful garden. We have found every
royal residence worth the trip.
Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath
had it's interiors remodelled by Robert Adam and has been featured in
many period films taking place in England. Besides breathtaking
architecture, the house is filled with Old Master paintings including
works by Van Dyck, Vermeer, Turner, and Romney, the star of the
collection being Rembrandt's self portrait of 1663. Your London Pass includes Kenwood House.
Spencer House is
located on St. James Place at the edge of Green Park. It is the only
private palace still in tact in central London. The house was built in
the 18th century with Henry Holland as the principal architect. The
interior is every bit as scrumptious as Buckingham Palace but on a
smaller scale. The original owner was the first Earl Spencer, ancestor
of the late Princess Diana. The family has been gone for many years and
the house is now owned by the Rothschild foundation that restored it to
its original splendor. Fine art has been borrowed from many of the
museum collections around London to populate the walls. You won't be
disappointed. The house is only open on Sundays, so check times on the Spencer
House website.
Aspley House at
Number 1 London is the former residence of one of the UK's greatest
military heroes, the Duke of Wellington. It is located at the edge of
Hyde Park and houses a great art collection including some 200 from the
collection of the 19th century King of Spain. As one would expect there
are many Napoleonic collectibles. Aspley House was voted best small
attraction in London in 2001 and is included on you London Pass.
Fans of neo-classical paintings will
enjoy a stroll through Leighton House in Holland
Park. This was the home of Lord Leighton, famous for his neo-classical
art. The house exemplifies the Victorian Aesthetic movement, the
highlight being the Arab Hall. The best paintings include some by
Leighton, and his contemporaries Edward Burne-Jones and John Millais.
The Wernher Collection at Ranger
House is in Greenwich at Chesterfield Walk. The Wernher
Collection is a private collection displaying paintings and works of
art reflecting the taste of self-made millionaire Julius Wernher at the
turn of the 20th century. Included with the over 650 works of art are
limoges, enamels, and the largest private collection of Renaissance
jewellery amassed. Your London Pass admits you here.
Tucked in the corner of what is
officially “the city” you will find a fascinating
little museum of Sir John Soane. This was the house
of the famous architect Sir John Soane, left to the nation with the
stipulation that it be left as is. He has an interesting collection of
art and artifacts displayed in the most creative and entertaining ways.
The architecture is as much a wonder as the collection itself. Find
this treasure near the Holborn tube stop at Lincoln's Inn Fields. And
while you are in the area pop into the London Museum, a truly
informative history, creatively displayed on this great city. As an
added bonus, the London Pass works here as well.
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