We're back in London with a visual treat today -- The Wallace Collection. I'd read about this but what really turned us on to it was a suggestion from the sales guy at the Steinway store. It was only a couple of blocks away (a good thing on a drizzly day) and he said it would be special. It was!
This elaborate collection was curated over time by several generations of the marquesses of Hertford and Richard Wallace, an illegitimate son. It contains an extraordinary amount of paintings, armor and arms, and decorative items.
The house itself was once the principal London residence of the Marqueses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace. It opened to the public in 1900.
The size and scope of the Wallace Collection was almost overwhelming. Miniatures and illuminations were under glass, protected by leather covers to be lifted by the viewer.
The
armor collection was extensive, including the largest selection of
antique weapons I've ever seen and several horse-mounted knights. I was
surprised to learn that the horse armor was not particularly heavy. This
set was from 1480 and a complete set of horse armor, which is
considered very rare.
My guess is that this armor (above) was unused as I couldn't find a single dent, hole, scratch or
ding. They also had a small Samurai collection.
But the largest portion of the museum was donated to the decorative arts -- furniture, china, decor . . .
And paintings.
I
was especially fond of this painting of Venice by Canaletto, but there were
several Rembrandts (including a beautiful portrait), Gainsborough paintings and
others.
And,
ironically, this one -- a modern painting which the artist based on a
Fragonard piece. (I could see little resemblance apart from the colors
and flowers, but I loved this!)
Rick described it this way: "Having a few hours to spare before our dinner date with some friends, we staggered through the Wallace Collection. I say staggered because I think we have run out of adrenaline -- we are dog tired. Built over the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it is one of the finest and most celebrated collections in the world. The Collection was given to the British Nation in 1897 by Lady Wallace.
It's admission: Priceless, and free to the public.
The building was the Wallace residence and my guess is that it was largely the same as their home as it is today. Having said that, however, a great deal of living space as been converted to display space. Very, VERY little of any wall is available for another even small paintings and the floor space features sculptures, display cases of smaller items, and a couple rooms feature a wide array of armor.
In all, I will bet we passed thousands of priceless pieces of
art. It was a MUCH greater concentration of works than ANY museum and
of the same or better quality."
Travel Tips:
- Museums -- many of them, including the Wallace Collection -- are free admission. That doesn't mean donations aren't welcome (there are VISA stands everywhere) but it also means you don't need a huge activity budget to enjoy beautiful art. Pay what you can.
- Check admission hours. Museums may be closed on certain days.
For previous posts, check out the England 2024 link on the menu tab above!
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46 comments:
Some of the best museums and collections are often those less well known or advertised. Some of my favourites are The British Museum, The Museum of Costume in Bath, Claverton Manor near Bath which houses an amazing collection of antique quilts, and The Geffreye Museum of the Home in Shoreditch. Depending on your interests, places like Zandra Rhodes' Fashion and Textile Museum must not be missed. You don't have to visit the Louvre to see great works of art!
What an amazing museum. This would be on my bucket list if I visited London. So much to take in from the artwork, china, armor and weapons. We have a small museum in our small town here. It is all related to Chris Craft boats. These wood boats were originally made here before moving to Florida. the museum is also a free one and we donate when we visit. I even have a friend who lives in the house of one of the co-founders. Janice
...the gallery is so elegant and late in the day I often am staggering too.
Excellent. Right up my alley.
Just a few blocks away ... amazing.
One of biggest regrets about the time spent in London a couple of years ago was not nearly enough. We would have enjoyed seeing more of the museums and a return trip is on our bucket list. This one is a definite, thanks Jeanie, for the tour.
What a great find! It’s full of all kinds of treasures.
Right up your alleys:) So nice to be out of our usual surroundings on a great adventure:)
A Beautiful collection is always interesting to see. So glad you got to visit and take in the beauty of this wonderful museum.
Wow, that looks like an amazing place, and even better that it's free. I haven't heard of this collection, but it looks like there is something for everyone. Can you imagine the years it took to collect all these pieces? I can see why you loved the Venice painting. There is something modern (but at the same time not) about it. Thanks for sharing. I didn't realize London and England were so high on my revisit list, but now I know it is. Have a great weekend. hugs-Erika
When I visited London as a tourist way back in 2003, I went to the Wallace Collection. I haven't seen the exhibits since then, so I should go back! I went to a dinner there in 2011, but we didn't have a chance to look through the museum. (In fact I think the galleries were closed.) You've made me want to visit again!
Hello,
What a beautiful place, the art work is lovely. I like the armor collection. The Venice painting is beautiful. Take care, have a happy weekend.
wonderful photos of amazing works ~ like the colorful painting ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Sounds and looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.
You really met the most fortuitous piano man ever! Wow! What a collection. And the fact it was free to the public was an added bonus. That was amazing! :)
That is a huge collection, and I would probably be mostly interested in the paintings. The Canaletto is beautiful. The only thing I will never understand is why these paintings are put in these awful gold frames that often "overload" the paintings themselves. I agree with you - this is a good way to spend a gloomy afternoon.
What a wondrous experience.
Being a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Downton Abbey, I hasten to add that Mr. Molesley mentioned the Wallace Collection as a place he wanted to visit when the family was in London. (Hee hee...)
I'm glad you didn't miss it! So much to see. a tad overwhelming.. Thanks for sharing
Every now and then you publish a post that leaves me thinking and feeling: Now! I have to go there NOW! This is one of those posts. I'm not always so impressed by masses of 'stuff' in museums, but this eclectic collection really appeals. I was especially taken with the horse armor -- a departure from my usual tendency to head to paintings and such. Thanks so much for sharing so much of this wonderful place; I'm glad you had the chance to enjoy it.
Jeanie, that museum was excellent. Locals can share the best places to visit. I could have spent a day feasting my eyes on all the beauty!
What a treat to see so much priceless art and artifacts! The Samurai collection reminded me of a similar collection at Mount St. Michael in Cornwall. I assume that Wallace and family must have traveled widely to amass such a collection?
That horse armor and the Samurai collection are amazing. That is an amazing setting for a museum. So happy the collection and home has been saved and displayed so beautifully.
Very, very impressive! Especially the armor collection. Interesting to learn these were rather light! Sad those were needed, though.
Oh, and all the elegance. Beautiful.
What an extraordinary place. The knight and horse is something else! I bet you loved looking at all the art work, as you are an artist yourself. The floral painting looks like You! I'm glad you got a chance to visit here while on your trip, Jeanie. Great memories for sure.
~Sheri
Wow, what an amazing Collection! Everything looks so beautiful! You really did a great variety of things on your trip, thanks for taking us along Jeanie!
Jenna
Your intro intrigued me - "several generations of the marquesses of Hertford and Richard Wallace, an illegitimate son" - so he worked with a few marquesses? I am sorry, I got stuck on the apple that I didn't fully comprehend just how magnificent the collection was until a few rolls of the mouse wheel on. My Mum always said that history is written by the hoarders - museums are a much nicer spin on that theory - how exquisite. And free!!? On the bucket list.
Absolutely fabulous Jeanie. Hopefully we will get back to London one of these days and I'm bookmarking your posts. Beautifully documented and love reading the travel tips at the end. Thank you my friend :)
such a beautiful museum, awesome works of art, a wonderful use of an old historic home!
The Wallace looks extraordinary Jeanie. If we are ever in London again we will definitely add it to our long list of must sees!
I could spend hour on hours in museums.
What a great find! The Wallace Collection sounds amazing, especially on a rainy day. I love the mix of armor, paintings, and the beautiful Canaletto. The fact that it’s free to visit makes it even better! Thanks for sharing this gem with us!
The painting of Venice is overwhelmingly wonderful. My eyes were fastened on it.
It’s wonderful that admission is free. That makes it more available to visitors, I think.
And I do wonder why that suit of armor has no dents…
What a beautiful collection. A free admission makes it so much more accessible.
I've heard of this place, but I've never been. Maybe on my next trip to London!
Absolutely AMAZING BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL STUPENDOUS
Great post Jeanie and I LOVED your photographs.
All the best Jan
OMG Jeanie, what a spectacular place to visit and your photos came out so clear.. Great post - thanks
how absolutely marvellous Jeanie. What a collection. and great that it's free. Most museums and art galleries are free in australia so it's a shock to go to other places and have to pay for them! Yay this one!
cheers
sherry
This sounds, and looks, like a very interesting collection. I have to visit next time I am in London. Thank you for the tip.
Wow, what a beautiful collection and all the better that it was free. Was so awesome to get recommendations from local sources, who know the hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon.
That looks like such an impressive collection!
What a cool collection. So very nice.
I've been to the Wallace Collection years ago and I fully agree with your, it's a gem. Also, because it's not as known as others, it is less busy, so it is easier to enjoy the building and the exhibits.
I think I might have left a comment on this using my phone, which acts flakily on Blogger. I must remember not to do it. If I remember correctly, I said it was a very accurate and evocative description of the Wallace Collection, but that I had never seen the collection of armour. I wonder how I managed to miss that!??!
Looks amazing! I'm always in awe of such museums. Glad you got to visit. I've added it to my travel list. Enjoy!
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