A property partnership with a history stretching back to the nineteenth century is the principal sponsor behind a major exhibition of Victorian paintings.
Strutt & Parker, founded in 1885, is sponsoring A Victorian Obsession: The Pérez Simón Collection comprising 50 rarely seen paintings from the largest private collection of Victorian art outside the UK.
The exhibition is being held at Leighton House Museum in Kensington (pictured), the former home and studio of leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, providing the perfect backdrop for the paintings.
Leighton House is considered to be one of the most remarkable examples of nineteenth century design, and was visited by many of the prominent figures of the time, including Queen Victoria herself. Today it houses a collection of paintings by Leighton and his contemporaries.
The exhibition includes six of Leighton’s paintings which are returning to the studio in which they were painted. Other celebrated artists featured in the show include Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, John Everett Millais, John William Waterhouse and Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema.
Lulu Egerton of Strutt & Parker said: “As exclusive UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, we have a keen understanding of the marriage between property and art.
“We are delighted to be part of such an outstanding display of Victorian masterpieces in a beautiful, historic building and former private home.”
Juan Antonio Pérez Simón says it is an honour to see his collection exhibited in the authentic surroundings of Leighton House.
“It gives me great joy to know that the public will be able to appreciate these exceptional paintings, making us accomplices in our everlasting duty to nourish the spirit,” he added.
Curator Daniel Robbins said: “The house is now transformed by the paintings, and the paintings are enhanced by setting them within Leighton’s decorative interiors; there has never been an exhibition where so many outstanding pictures of this period have been shown in such a special and sympathetic environment.”
The exhibition continues until 29 March 2015, every day except Tuesdays, 10am-5.30pm. Admission charges apply.
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