The Wallace Collection

The bulk of what is on display comes from the private collection amassed by Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford and left to his illegitimate son Sir Richard Wallace. In 1897 Sir Richard’s widow, Lady Wallace, bequeathed the house and the collection to the nation on the condition that no object should ever leave the collection, even on temporary loan.

There are over 5000 pieces in the collection, which is comprised of decorative and fine arts from the 15th to the 19th century. It is noted for its Sevres porcelain, its 18th-century French paintings as well as its displays of medieval armour and weapons.

What to see at The Wallace Collection

The museum is housed inside Hertford House, a townhouse built in 1776 for Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford who left it (and his extensive art collection) to his son Sir Richard Wallace. The house was the home of Sir Richard and Lady Wallace and it has also served as London’s French and Spanish embassies. Although it is not set up to show how the Wallaces lived, it gives you a good idea of the type of opulent townhouse that the wealthy lived in during the 18th century.

The highlights of The Wallace Collection include: The Laughing Cavalier (1624) by Frans Hals, Titus, the Artist’s Son (circa 1657) by Rembrandt, Les hasards heureux de l’escarpolette (The Swing) (circa 1767–1768) by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Two Views of Venice (circa 1735–1744) by Canaletto, the Avignon Clock (1771) by Pierre Gouthière, and the armour of Sir Thomas Sackville, Lord Buckhurst (circa 1587).

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the Wallace Collection also has a programme of temporary exhibitions.

Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection
Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection is a small exhibition (until 12 May 2024) featuring ten works by two artists. The exhibition includes four depictions of Yorkshire by JMW Turner and five scenes of Normandy and Venice by Richard Parkes Bonington. Both Turner and Bonington are hailed as watercolour masters, and this exhibition beautifully spotlights their distinctive artistic prowess. Turner’s Yorkshire watercolours are marked by dramatic lighting and captivating atmospheres, while Bonington’s portrayals of Normandy and Venice exude delicacy and lyrical charm. Free.

Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King
This exhibition (until 20 October 2024) examines the life of Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839). After quelling anarchy in the Punjab region, Singh established the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century and the exhibition, featuring over 100 artworks, explores his leadership, which ushered in a golden age of trade, arts and military prowess. The exhibition features artefacts from Singh’s court, his family and his 30 wives, offering a unique glimpse into Sikh history through weaponry, jewellery and other objects.

Visiting The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection is located on Manchester Square in Marylebone not far from Selfridges and Bond Street. Other nearby attractions include Handel Hendrix House, Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Bond Street is the closest tube station and Marble Arch and Baker Street aren’t much farther.

Admission is free of charge although there is an admission charge for temporary exhibitions.

The museum operates a daily highlights tour that shows visitors highlights of the collection. One-hour tours run daily at 2.30pm (on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there is an additional tour at 11.30am). The tours are free but are limited to only 25 people per tour. To secure a spot on a tour you will need to collect a badge from the information desk near the museum entrance (badges are available from 10am on the day of the tour).

There is also a regular programme of lunchtime talks that focus on a specific theme. These talks are also limited to 25 people and can be booked at the information desk.

All areas of The Wallace Collection are wheelchair accessible. There is also a programme of guided tours in British Sign Language and audio guides and multi-sensory events created for visitors who are blind or partially sighted.

Although its central location ensures that there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, the Wallace Restaurant is a lovely space for a meal. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and its à la carte menu has a distinctly French influence.

There is quite a lot to see here and you could easily spend two hours or more exploring the galleries.