About this experience
As you wander along Oxford Street, you may not even suspect that you need to turn into one of the narrow alleys - and in 5 minutes you will find yourself in front of a majestic mansion. This is Manchester House, or Hartford House, and it is the keeper of the magnificent Wallace Collection. That's where we should go for a delightful acquaintance with Italian, French, English, and Dutch paintings.
What to expect
A journey through time
According to the wishes of former owners, the interior of the mansion has not changed since the late 19th century. Here, the memory of refined times and the sophisticated taste of the aristocratic residents are carefully preserved. Lavish balls and literary salons were often held at Hartford House. Emperor Alexander I visited the mansion during his visit to London. In 1990, designer Vivienne Westwood dedicated her clothing collection 'The Portrait' to the treasure trove of paintings. The museum has played an important role in the lives of politicians, writers, and fashion figures - I will definitely tell you about it, among many other things.
Art treasures
You will learn about the history of the Hartford Dukes, political intrigues at the English, French, and Russian courts, and, of course, the romantic adventures of the mansion's owners. But most importantly, you will see the famous works of Watteau, Boucher, Fragonard (yes, the legendary 'The Swing'), Poussin; French salon paintings of the 19th century; works by Gainsborough and Reynolds; the world-famous masterpiece by Hals ('Laughing Cavalier'); exquisite portraits and genre works by Rembrandt, Ter Borch, Van Dyck, and Rubens.
Organizational details
The tour does not involve any additional expenses.
