Latest news
Discover the latest news and exciting developments from our museums.
More art on display! Collections rehang at Leighton House
Following on recent acquisitions as well as existing artworks in the museum's collection returning home after being on loan, the displays across the historic rooms at Leighton House have been given a fresh facelift!
Including Phillippe Felix Dupuis, Portrait of Frederic Leighton in the Reception display case and George Frederic Watts, Haystacks (Study on Brighton Downs) (1882) in the Drawing Room. Also, two new paintings by Frederic Leighton are now on show in the Silk Room and in the Reception area, on loan from The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
George Frederic Watts, Haystacks (Study on Brighton Downs), 1882.
Spring Public Programme announced
Put a spring in your step with new events inspired by our museums collections and upcoming exhibition Out Shopping: The Dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910).
From talks on Victorian fashion, to life drawing sessions and arts & crafts workshops in collaboration with London Craft Week - there's something for everyone! Families and young people are welcome and for those in search of pocket-friendly prices, we offer a whole range of free activities (including our free to visit areas in the museum)
Leighton House redevelopment winner of AJ Cultural Project Award
The museum's transformational project, Hidden Gem to National Treasure, led by major international practice, BDP, has won the prestigious AJ Award in the category of Cultural Project.
The judges were ‘… impressed by the skill and subtlety of the scheme, especially how it unlocked spaces and functions, enabling the house to operate more effectively as a visitor attraction while preserving its historic allure .. giving one of London’s most characterful yet hitherto neglected museums an invigorating new lease of life.’
We’re thrilled that the Leighton House project has received this prestigious award against such stiff competition. Its wonderful recognition for the whole team who have worked on it with such commitment over an extended period. Its been truly transformational for the museum and the experience our visitors now enjoy.
His Majesty King Charles III visits Leighton House
His Majesty King Charles III visited Leighton House on Thursday 9 February to celebrate our wonderful collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, the charity founded by the then Prince of Wales to preserve and develop traditional craft practices first in Afghanistan and now also in Myanmar, and the Middle East, to support economic development in these regions.
Leighton House has worked with Turquoise Mountain to produce a unique suite of furniture for the museum's new wing, on display across the reception space, shop and café. The commission grows out of Leighton’s own deep appreciation of the art, architecture and craft he found as he travelled through the Middle East and North Africa. This appreciation resulted in the construction of the Arab Hall, realised through a series of collaborations with artists and makers.
It is an honour to welcome His Majesty back to Leighton House, 13 years on from his previous visit, and celebrate this special collaboration with Turquoise Mountain. Rooted in the history of the museum and our collections, the artisanal pieces add a contemporary twist, bringing identity, individuality and impact to the museum’s new spaces.