Feast for the eyes.
“the pop-eyed girl kicking her shoe with such delicate indelicacy off over the crouching man below (I challenge any normal male not to identify more strongly with this character than almost any other character in paintings)”
The Wallace Collection is one of the most captivating private collections of
fine and decorative arts in the world. Independently collected by each of the
four Marquesses of Hertford in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries,
together with Sir Richard Wallace who inherited the collections in 1870 and
continued to add to it with gusto. It is one of the most incredible collections of
its type ever bequeathed by an individual collector to the nation. (Opened as a
museum 1900.)
Feast for the eyes indeed. Item: the Wallace’s magnificent cornucopia of Serves Porcelain, an astonishing array of French period furniture, together with a stunning assortment of clocks, barometers and sculptures.
Item: masterpieces by Titian, Boucher, Poussin, Hals, Jan Steen and Rubens. Perfect accompaniments to the exquisite furniture, clocks, etc.
To say nothing of Canaletto, Murillo, Fragonard, Greuze and Rembrandt.
Item: the magnificent Medieval and Renaissance gallery which includes Limoges enamel, Maiolica, Venetian glass and bronzes. Last but not least
the stunning, indeed princely collection of armour.
“Do not miss the equestrian figure in fifteenth-century Gothic armour, a stunning contortion of steel, the menace of its upflung sword matched by the menace of the remarkable spurs.”
Item: a great guided tour of the Wallace – it’s showpiece western art and culture seen by flashes of lightning.
It will give a fascinating insight to the collection and its historical background, the techniques involved in the making of the objects and paintings, but also the mode of collecting which the Hertford’s employed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is unique.
You will be amazed, delighted and bemused…
Nor does it end there. The Wallace rejoices in the best place in London to have cakes and tea. Or something more savoury if you prefer. A divine beautifully, naturally lit cafe set in a beguiling courtyard where you can relax, reflect, refuel and reinvigorate. And restored, perhaps return to some of the rooms. Yes, this is all in a house – a stately mansion – that was Wallace’s home.
In short, welcome to one of the best kept secrets in London. Welcome to a gracious, gratifying, civilised foray into the best London has to offer,
The Wallace Collection – as good as London gets.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Helena N –
I hadn’t realised what a varied collection this is. Molly, our guide, selected items that showcased that variety: weaponry, furniture, paintings, armour, ceramics, etc. Her obvious love for the collection was evident, and her knowledge second to none. The mid morning start means that there is plenty of time after the tour to revisit any areas you wish. The restaurant is lovely too. Thanks Molly for a wonderful tour.
SUE HOWARD –
I have attended at least 30 London Walks over the years when I travelled from Australia.
All of them were wonderful!
This new The Wallace Collection was yet another absorbing marvellous opportunity to see and hear about the most magnificent collection of art! Our guide,like all the guides, was highly professional, articulate, helpful and very knowledgeable about the works. Thanks somuch for another magical journey through art history!! Thank you! Sue Howard
I have attended about 30 London Walks in the past years travelling from Australia. All of them have been 100% professionally run and delivered. This new tour of the Wallace Collection was just superb! A history tour of art, sculpture, glassware and artists! Wow!! What a brilliant experience.
Our lovely guide gave us so much detail and overall understanding of the artist and the art.
Thank you London Walks..another 10/10!!
Sue