London: Dulwich Picture Gallery
Dulwich Picture Gallery, London
Dulwich Picture Gallery is a historic art gallery located in Dulwich Village in the London Borough of Southwark. It is renowned for being one of the world's first purpose-built public art galleries, designed to house a collection of paintings for public viewing.
History
The gallery was founded by Sir Francis Bourgeois, a French-born artist, and his business partner, Noël Desenfans, in 1811. It was originally established as a public art gallery to display their collection of paintings, which they intended to bequeath to Dulwich College (a local educational institution).
The building is itself a work of art. It was designed by Sir John Soane (1753-1837), a prominent neoclassical architect who is known for his innovative use of light and space. Soane's other project's in London include the Bank of England (though most of his work was demolished in the early 20th century), Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery and his own house in Lincoln's Inn Fields which is now the Sir John Soane's Museum.
Collection
The Dulwich Picture Gallery houses a significant collection of European Old Master paintings, with a focus on works from the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough, Poussin, and Canaletto, among others. One of its most famous paintings is The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez.
Highlights
Highlights include The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez: This iconic painting is one of the most famous works in the gallery's collection. It depicts a reclining nude Venus gazing at her reflection in a mirror. Velázquez's masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his remarkable attention to detail, make this painting a must-see masterpiece.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrews by Thomas Gainsborough: is a notable example of Gainsborough's work and is celebrated for its depiction of the English countryside and its portrayal of the sitters, a newlywed couple, in a relaxed and natural setting.
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary by Johannes Vermeer - although Vermeer is best known for his Dutch Golden Age paintings, this work is a rare example of his religious subject matter. It showcases his mastery of light and composition.
The gallery houses a series of eight paintings by William Hogarth that depict the moral decline of a young man named Tom Rakewell - A Rake's Progress. These paintings are a satirical commentary on 18th-century British society and are known for their narrative storytelling.
Access - how to get to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
Gallery Road
London SE21 7AD
Tel: 0208 693 5254
www: dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; gardens daily 8 am to 6 pm
In addition to its permanent collection, the Dulwich Picture Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, and events aimed at engaging visitors of all ages with art and culture. The gallery also has a shop and a café (the Flotsam & Jetsam) with outdoor seating.
The nearest tube station is Brixton Station (Victoria Line), then take a P4 bus. The P4 bus stops virtually outside the gallery. Alternatively, take a number 3 bus from Brixton to West Dulwich Station and then walk about 15 minutes. The P4 bus also stops outside the Horniman Museum and Gardens. West Dulwich railway station has trains from London Victoria.
Dulwich Park is across the road which also has a cafe (The Dulwich Clock Cafe) with alfresco dining.
Nearby
The College Gate entrance to Dulwich Park is just across the road from the gallery. Brockwell Park is also 20 minutes on foot.
A well-known London pub near Brockwell Park is the Half Moon in Herne Hill. The Welsh poet Dylan Thomas drank here and U2 also played here in 1980.
Gallery
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