The Wallace Collection

A brief history of the Wallace Collection

On 16 February 1897, Amelie-Julie-Charlotte passed away at her vast London mansion, Hertford House, at 78. She was known as Lady Wallace and bequeathed her astonishing array of beautiful objects and art to the nation. It was the most exceptional gift Britain had ever received.

Other events in 1897 included the publishing of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Queen Victoria celebrated her 60th anniversary on the throne. She became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch until the current Queen Elizabeth II. 
Lady Wallace lived in England from 52 and missed her beloved France. But, she continued to live at Hertford House after her husband, Richard Wallace, died in 1890.

In the 1800s, the 2nd Marchioness of Hertford used the house for extravagant parties and events, if only the walls could talk. The 4th Marquess lived in Paris and used the property for his growing art collection. Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, didn’t have the best reputation for humanity and kindness; he died unmarried and without a legitimate heir. The title passes to a cousin, but Sir Richard Wallace, Lord Hertford’s illegitimate son, inherited the wealth and Hertford House.

It seems Richard Wallace was a kinder, gentler soul and was knighted for his charitable services. Before he departed from Paris, Wallace donated fifty iron water fountains to provide fresh drinking water. Only two originals remain today.

A few highlights

Jean-Baptise Oudry (1686-1755) Paintings
Jean-Baptise was a Parisian and son of a painter and art dealer. He became a tapestry designer, Rococo painter, engraver and leading personality and member of the Acedemie Royal de Peinture et de Sculpture. He mastered the still life of fruits, animals and hunting scenes. In the Back State Room, you will see “The Dead Roe” and “The Dead Wolf”, the dogs in the paintings are particularly amusing.

Frans Hals, (1582-1666) The Laughing Cavalier
The painter was born in Antwerp, then known as a city in the Spanish Netherlands. His painting “The Laughing Cavalier” is world-famous and instantly recognised by non-art fans. The sitter is clearly showing off in a big way. He has a proud smile and lavish clothing; the lacy sleeves and delicate embroidery on the jacket astonish the viewer.

Rembrandt (1606-1669) Titus van Rijn
Titus was the only surviving son of Rembrandt. The artist had a studio full of dressing-up historical clothes; in this painting of his son, he wears 16th Century Venetian robes with gold chains. You can see other great Rembrandt paintings in the National Gallery and Windsor Castle.

Diego Velazquez (1599-1660) The Lady with a Fan
Velazquez worked during Spain's Golden Age; he painted the Royal Family, historical scenes. He travelled to Italy and probably painted his most controversial work, The Rokeby Venus, now in The National Gallery London.

The lady with a Fan is of an unknown person. Dressed in Spanish fashionable clothing and maybe Diego’s wife or daughter.

Other Great Works
See “A Boy Bringing Bread” by the Dutch artist Pieter de Hooch, Scenes of Venice by Canaletto. British artists such as Joshua Reynolds and Gainsborough and too much to list here.

Furniture and Porcelain 
Andre-Charles Boulle was the first French great cabinet maker to Royalty. He used metal and wood, a special privilege while lodging at the Louvre. There are several gilt-bronze wardrobes and cabinets. There are many beautiful writing desks, commodes, perfume burners and work tables.

See the incredible Catherine the Great porcelain ice cream cooler and teacups. See Louis XV Sevres porcelain vases and the elephant potpourri vase. The list goes on and on. 

Armour and Weapons
From India, the Middle-East and Ottoman Empire, the age and style are vast. See 15th-century Persian daggers, Ceremonial Indian mace and Sultanate swords. European weaponry and armour date from the 10th century to the 19th-century. Again, the collection is enormous and includes highly decorated guns and canon.

Touring and accommodation
Let our Travel Designers include a private tour of Wallace Collection on a bespoke tour of London. The team can plan every part of your day to match your interests and meals preferences. You love art, and it is your first time in London? Choose our Art and Cultural Tour of London.

Most of London’s great museums and art galleries tend to be in the West-End; therefore, Mayfair or Kensington is an excellent location for your vacation. Please see our suggested Best 4-Star and 5-Star accommodation in London. The Stafford Hotel is only a short walk from most galleries.

Your first time in England? Would you please take a look at our customisable Town and Country Tour. This sample itinerary features all the highlights and off-the-tourist trail elements. We can customise the experience to match your pace of travel, interests and dining preferences.