The Wallace Collection might lack the name recognition of some of London’s bigger galleries – but the place is a true treasure trove of fantastic art!
Located in Hertford House, a huge Georgian residence in stylish Marylebone, the collection was built up during the 18th and 19th centuries. The key players here were the Marquesses of Hertford, as well as Sir Richard Wallace, the illegitimate (but still very rich) son of the fourth Marquess.
Between them, these fancy aristocrats amassed a stunning range of works, spanning both the fine and decorative arts. This includes a world-leading spread of Old Master paintings, with pieces by the likes of Titian, Rubens and Velázquez. But equally impressive are the gallery’s holdings from 18th century France – with Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing” the star attraction.
In 1897, this immense collection was left to the British state by Wallace’s widow, Julie; and as if that wasn’t generous enough, the bequest also stipulated that entry had to be free of charge!
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