The Wallace Collection

candyshop

GEM 22nd August 2008

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I had heard of the Wallace Collection many times, but had never visited it in my many visits to London. Only now do I realize how much of an omission it was.

The Collection is located in Hertoford House, a beautiful mansion in Manchester Square, in the heart of London. It contains mostly French XVII and XVIII century objets d'art, such as vases of Sevres porcelain, Titian portraits, seventeenth century bronze statuettes, XVIII and XIX century miniatures, just to mention a few examples. It is a paradise for anyone who appreciates the decorative arts. It is definitely a must see.

In addition, there is a new restaurant on the premises, fashioned after a typical French brasserie. It offers main dishes, like seabass, steak tartar, etc. It also has an array of terrines, cheeses, platters of oyster, clams, and prawns.

On the way out make sure you survey the scene around Manchester Square. The park is lush green even in late winter, and surrounded by XIX century mansions (although none as large as the one where the collection is housed).

In short, the Wallace Collection is a gem. I can't wait to get back. Anna L. Josephs