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Leighton House Reopens to the Public

leightonhouse
Last week I took advantage of the sunny weather to take a stroll around Holland Park.
I was particularly interested in visiting a museum that has been closed for two years and has just reopened at the beginning of April: Leighton House.

The museum was the former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist, Frederic, Lord Leighton. Leighton was not just a talented painter and sculptor, but also a fine collector. His house was decorated with the most sublime taste, drawing inspiration from Arab architecture and ancient Roman villas.

The restoration project took 2 years, and it covered all aspects of the house: from the structure of the building (heating system, electricity, plumbing) to the refurbishment of the interior, and the restoration of the paintings in the house.

The result is stunning. The house is an incredible monument to Victorian art, architecture and society, allowing the visitor to experience the greatness of Leighton but also his great curiosity and culture.

The Arab Hall, on the ground floor is an incredible example of Islamic interior design, this was designed to display Leighton’s priceless collection of over a thousand Islamic tiles. The silks used to cover the walls are an homage to beauty and color. The mosaics on the floor remind us of the ancient world. The house reopens with a special exhibition of Leighton’s own collection of paintings, which have been brought together for the reopening including paintings by Corot and Tintoretto.

You can see a video about the restoration works here.

Leighton House
12 Holland Park Road
Open Daily 10am to 5.30pm, closed Tuesdays
London

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Posted by Petulia
Petulia is the head of European Operations at Context. She shares her time between Rome, Paris and London. Her passions are fashion and food.
May 3rd, 2010 under Architecture, Art, Context Travel, Culture, London, Museums and Monuments.
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2 Comments »

  1. Very interesting. Is the entrance free of charge?

    Comment by Megan — May 5, 2010 @ 4:04 am

  2. So excited that this jewel of the 19th century is back open. Calls for a special visit to London as it was closed the last two times I visited. Do they exhibit any of Leighton’s watercolors?

    Comment by Bernard — May 16, 2010 @ 6:24 am

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