Before my work meeting in the City today, I had time for a quick visit to the Wallace Collection in Hertford House, Manchester Square. This is the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford. The collection is named after Sir Richard Wallace, who, along with the Marquesses of Hertford, built the extensive collection in the 18th and 19th centuries.
There is a vast collection of paintings, including many old masters by Rembrandt and others.
There are many on military themes, of which the Laughing Cavalier is probably the most recognisable.
There are a few with Napoleonic interest.
And plenty of Balkan-related paintings. Countless paintings of Venice by Canalleto and others, plus Ottoman troops of the 19th century. These include a corsair and a bashi bazouk by Vernet.
They also have one of the finest collections of arms and armour I have seen. Not the largest, but it includes many rare items. The Ottoman and Indian displays are fantastic.
The European armour displays are also impressive.
Went there this summer for the 1st time, despite having lived in London for nearly 40 years. Great museum and gallery
ReplyDeleteI think I went with the school when I lived in London as a teenager. But a return was long overdue.
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