The Wallace Collection

Continuing with series of blogs about London, this week I get to share about an art museum I had learned about while working and teaching at The Frick Collection. Situated by Manchester Square in London, The Wallace Collection is housed inside of Hertford House, the former townhouse of the Seymour family. The Wallace is comprised of an extraordinary art collection that was formerly a private residence, which makes it similar to the Frick. Additionally, the Wallace contains similar artists and art periods that are also shown at the Frick. Overall, the Wallace was different in the number of art pieces within its collection (there seemed to have been more), and the positioning of artworks. Differences and similarities aside, the collection on view is remarkable and stunning. 

The collection contained many old masters, French porcelain by Sèvres, delicate and salacious painted miniatures, beautiful furniture, and elaborately decorated rooms. My personal favorite was Fragonard's rococo masterpiece, The Swing (pictured below). 

Art collections that are available to the public for free, such as the Wallace, not only demonstrate how a limited number of people use to live in the past, but also share an unlimited wealth of art history and cultural artistry. It was real dream come true to be able to step inside the Wallace and I hope someday to return.