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 Sèvres 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.

The pieces are over the top, but the layout within the home helps you to imagine what life for the privelage might have been like. After you've done all the typical tourist attractions, come to this musuem-its a gem for your London experience. And stay for the cafe! We had tea, but also saw families and business meetings happening in the atrium cafe.

Its great. You should go, even if you only pop in, (admission is free and its in the center of London, near to other tourist attractions), but there's a good chance you'll spend much longer than you planned for there.

The collection and interior of the house are beautiful and magnificent. You can see Fragonard's 'The Swing'. I recommend looking at the website.

http://www.wallacecollection.org/index.php