Wallace Collection

 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.

Not to be missed if you are in London.

Apsley House

I am in London today on a work trip. With a spare hour or so, I decided to visit Apsley House, the Duke of Wellington's London pad. It is a magnificent building near Hyde Park Corner, which Wellington bought in 1819. It is crammed full of Wellington's massive art collection, which comprises nearly 1,000 items.

Impressive though the Reubens and Goyas are, the military paintings and memorabilia were the target of my attention.

There are several of the Duke himself, with this being the most recognisable. 

And his primary foe is not forgotten, with a couple of recognisable classics.

The Battle of Waterloo is depicted in several classics, including the Highlanders' squares fighting off the French cuirassiers.

Wellington wasn't big on delegation, but his divisional commanders are represented, including Graham, Padget and Beresford.

As are the allies, including a flattering painting of Tsar Alexander and a less-than-flattering one of Francis.

It's not all paintings. Wellington's dress uniforms, several French eagles, a room full of presents, and a pair of wellies!

Well worth a look if you are in London.