Kenwood House – The Iveagh Bequest
Rembrandt, Larkin, Lawrence and Others Displayed by English Heritage
Aug 20, 2009
Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847-1927), was the great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness brewery. It's thanks to Guinness that visitors can enjoy the magnificent collection of Old Master paintings and fine furniture at Kenwood House, an English Heritage property.
Kenwood House – About the House
There has been a house on this site since the early 17th Century. The present building dates from approximately 1700. Between 1764 and 1779 William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield (1705-93), commissioned the architect Robert Adam (1728-1792) to redesign the property. Adam transformed it from an ordinary brick building to a magnificent villa in the neoclassical style.
The property remained in the possession of the Earls of Mansfield until 1925 when Edward Guinness's family trust purchased the estate which was subsequently bequeathed to the nation when Guinness died in 1928. In 1929 an Act of Parliament (Iveagh Bequest Act) ensured the future of the collection, and Kenwood House, for the nation. Kenwood House is now preserved and operated by English Heritage.
The Iveagh Bequest
Edward Guinness established an impressive collection of more than 240 paintings, drawings and portrait miniatures. Most of the art collection falls into two artistic schools: 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters, and 18th- and early 19th-century British portrait painters. The House is also home to the Falk Collection of Miniatures and an fine collection Georgian jewellery.
Highlights of the Exhibition
The Library or 'Great Room' is reputed to be Robert Adam's finest masterpiece. Work started in 1767 and took three years to complete. It features magnificent paintings on walls and ceiling by Antonio Zucchi (1726-1795), an associate of Robert Adams.
Dutch and Flemish masters can be found in the Dining Room including Rembrandt's Self-Portrait of 1665, showing the artist aged about 60, just a few years before his death (Rembrandt 1606-1669).
Also on display is a set of seven female portraits by William Larkin (ca. 1585-1619) whom art historian Roy Strong identified as the artist formerly known as the "Curtain Master". Larkin was known for his luxurious curtains that framed his subjects. Larkin's ladies wear gowns with a metallic appearance, another technique for which Larkin was famous. It is believed the seven portraits were painted to mark the marriage in 1614 of Elizabeth Cecil to Thomas Howard, future Earl of Berkshire. This portrait shows Diana Cecil, later Countess of Oxford.
Thomas Lawrence's (1769-1830) portrait of Miss Murray (1825-27) captivates the younger visitors. A little girl skips brightly back and forth holding her apron which is full of the flowers she has collected.
Public Events at Kenwood House
Kenwood House is offering a varied programme of public events including:
- Constable Talk and Tour. A walking tour will explore the life and work of John Constable through his works on display in the House – September 2009. Admission fee £7. Advance booking essential.
- Big Draw. On the weekend of 10th/11th October 2009 visitors can take part in the Big Draw, a programme of free art based workshops for all ages. Advanced booking not required.
- Reindeer Trail for Children. A fun experience (free of charge) for children. Search for mini model reindeer around the site. Advanced booking not required.
Contact English Heritage for further details regarding exhibitions and events at Kenwood House.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
