Bequeathed to the nation in 1897, the Wallace family collection is one of the most intimate exhibitions in Britain. A result of five generations of art and antique collectors, the Wallace collection is widely regarded as the finest collection ever to be assembled by one family.
Audio guides are also free of charge and are worth getting to discover interesting facts about some of the paintings on display, but also some of the sordid details about the Wallace family's vast richness, illegitimate children and scandals. The audio tour is introduced by British actress Zoe Wannamaker and among the guest speakers is Andrew Sachs, better known for his role of Manuel in 'Fawlty Towers.
Frans Hals The Laughing Cavalier
On the ground floor there are a number of opulent pieces of furniture including a writing desk and wardrobes made of oak veneered with ebony and Boulle marquetry with gilt-bronze mounts. Several antique clocks adorned amongst sevres porcelain and medieval sculptures are still in working order and can be heard chiming throughout the lavish halls every half an hour.
The Wallace collection exhibits art work from some of the finest painters of the 18th and 19th century including Frans Hals 'The Laughing Cavalier,' made famous by the bidding war it sparked amongst it's wealthy suitors. Lord Hertford eventually secured the masterpiece though had to pay six times more than its original sale value.
Old Masters Amongst the Wallace Collection
Other features on display include works from Dutch masters, Rembrandt, Albert Cuyp and Adam Pynacker together with a quaint selection of sketches, 'Modelli,' by Paul Peter Rubens, regarded as the greatest artist in 17th Century Flanders. From the same period, great Spanish artists Diego Velazquez and B.E Murillo are also featured.
In the 18th Century, French artists were preferred and there are a number of works by Claude-Joseph Vernet, Nicolas Poussin and Francois Boucher's sensual nudes. One of the most symbolic pieces of the collection is perhaps Jean-Honore Fragonard's painting, 'The Swing,' which depicts a frivolous young woman teasing a lover and kicking of a shoe indicating her loss of virginity. The Marquess' of Hertford were often hot gossip for their illicit affairs. Sir Richard Wallace who bequeathed the collection was in fact the illegitimate child of the 4th Marquess of Hertford.
Other than many wonderful works of art, one of the most fascinating exhibitions is the swash-buckling collection of 16th century European and Oriental armour featuring swords, daggers and pistols.
Periodically, Hertford House also host alternative exhibitions. This year, from 14 October 2009 - 24 January 2010 they will be exhibiting Damien Hirst's The Blue Paintings, a series of paintings, 'deeply connected to the past.' Admission to this exhibition is also free of charge.
The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN.
Opening Times - Sun-Thurs 10am - 4.30pm. Fri-Sat 10am-10.30pm.
Tel: 020 7563 9523
Email: access@wallacecollection.org
Website: www.wallacecollection.org
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