The Wallace Collection

Hertford House in Manchester Square, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, houses what is now known as ‘The Wallace Collection’. Named after Sir Richard Wallace, who built the extensive collection of treasures within, the building contains many exceptional paintings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture and arms and armour, all gifted to Britain in 1900. And it’s free to enter!

I am ashamed to say that, until this year, I had never visited the ‘best kept secret in London’, but it’s such a special place that I will be adding it to my list of favourite places to go! It would be impossible to comment on ever treasure, but as well as enjoying the beauty of the rooms, I was delighted to discover some real gems.

I spent ages standing in front of this painting of Edward V and Richard, Duke of York huddled together in the Tower of London, surrounded by sinister shadows. It is a picture I have seen many times, one of the romanticised images around the young boys’ disappearance, but I had never seen in ‘in person’ before. There were so many details to notice. The artist, Hippolyte (Paul) Delaroche, has captured a real sense of fear and tension, the little dog expectantly listening, peering at the ominous shadow appearing at the door whilst the boys pause in their reading. The cabinet pictured next to it is supposed to have belonged to Marie Antoinette, although there seems to be some doubt as to whether this is true.

This gorgeous picture of Madame de Pompadour, mistress of Louis XV, by François Boucher is also worth lingering over. The exquisite details of her gown, one shoe peeking out from under her skirts… there is so much to take in, all of which is intended to convey a message about Pompadour herself. Some analysis of the picture is offered on the Wallace Collection website.

Seeing ‘Les hasards heureux de l'escarpolette’ (The Swing) was another highlight of my visit. Much smaller than I thought it would be, it is probably Fragonard's most famous work. I was not the only person visiting the collection who spent time gazing at this one!

The Wallace Collection really is one of London’s many lesser known gems, but one which really should be at the top of everyone’s places not to be missed list!

The Wallace Collection

Hertford House,

Manchester Square,

London

W1U 3BN