Wallace Collection in London

This photo of the view of The Wallace Collection in London is part of one of the panoramic images found on the PanoramicEarth.com Tour of London. There are over 100 images taken from around London linked to an interactive map.

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The Wallace Collection started life as a private collection built up during the 18^th and 19^th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford. The final collector was Sir Richard Wallace, the son of the 4^th Marquess. Upon his death his widow, Lady Wallace, donated the entire collection to the nation in 1897. Hertford House, the former London residence of the Wallaces, was converted into a museum and the collection was opened to the public in 1900.

Among the more famous pieces is The Laughing Cavalier by Hals, and works by Titian and Rembrandt. The Wallace Collection also contains a large number of 18^th Century French wokrs including paintings, porcelain, furniture and gold boxes. Together this is reputed to be one of the largest collections of French works outside of France. However, the Wallaces did not stop there and you will also find British arms and armour as well as other European and Oriental objects.

Thankfully, entrance to the Wallace Collection is still free, and the central courtyard to the house was given a glass roof a few years ago so visitors will not be caught out in the weather. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Manchester Square, on which the Wallace Collection is located just off Oxford Street, which is kept under lock and key for the use of the surrounding residences only.

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The nearest Tube stations the Wallace Collection are Bond Street and Marble Arch on Oxford Street, though Baker Street is not too far away.

The full panoramic image showing the front of Hertford House and Manchester Square can be found on the London tour by PanoramicEarth.com. An enlargement of this photo can be found on Flickr. You can also find a marker for the Wallace Collection on Tagzania.

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