Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection had been on my to-do list for several London visits and I finally made it in January. It is simply amazing! The collection reflects the acquisitions by one family over 4 generations and it is immense. Yet the museum is quite manageable and friendly for a day's outing. All in all it is a quite intimate experience.

The paintings themselves are lovely featuring Hals, Rembrandt, Titian, Boucher & Fragonard among others including a strong showing of Dutch & Fleming works. I especially enjoyed the collection of Sevres porcelain, one of the finest in the world, while partner spent his time viewing the amour.

The museum has a restaurant in the enclosed courtyard, audio phones available for a donation, free admission, and knowledgeable room guides.

A hidden gem, tucked-away in a leafy square just behind Selfriges store on frenetic Oxford Street, but not to be missed.

Personally,not enamoured by flouncy flashy French styles of art, but nevertheless entirely 'gobsmacked' by the sheer scale and quality on display here.

Such an experience too to come face to face with Rembrandt's selfportrait as well as the Laughing Cavalier.

Swish elegant covered - courtyard cafe too.

FREE admission !

Cannot recommend too highly !!

I had heard of the Wallace Collection many times, but had never visited it in my many visits to London. Only now do I realize how much of an omission it was.

The Collection is located in Hertoford House, a beautiful mansion in Manchester Square, in the heart of London. It contains mostly French XVII and XVIII century objets d'art, such as vases of Sevres porcelain, Titian portraits, seventeenth century bronze statuettes, XVIII and XIX century miniatures, just to mention a few examples. It is a paradise for anyone who appreciates the decorative arts. It is definitely a must see.

In addition, there is a new restaurant on the premises, fashioned after a typical French brasserie. It offers main dishes, like seabass, steak tartar, etc. It also has an array of terrines, cheeses, platters of oyster, clams, and prawns.

On the way out make sure you survey the scene around Manchester Square. The park is lush green even in late winter, and surrounded by XIX century mansions (although none as large as the one where the collection is housed).

In short, the Wallace Collection is a gem. I can't wait to get back. Anna L. Josephs