My original plan..

was to do some spring cleaning but then I came across one of my college sketch books where I had made a few quick sketches at Leighton House. So in a fit of nostalgia I ditched the cleaning plan and decided to revisit Leighton House.

Leighton House museum:The Arab Hall designed by George Aitchison

Leighton House

Now Leighton House is not that easy to find. I wandered around Kensington for a while trying to find it (my college days were a while ago!). But eventually I found it tucked away on Holland Park Road.

Leighton House museum

Who was Frederic Leighton?

Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) was a one of the most famous British artists of the nineteenth century. Even if you haven’t hard of Leighton, you’ve probably familiar with some of his paintings e.g. Flaming June.

Queen Victoria bought his first major painting in 1855 and in 1878 he became President of the Royal Academy of Arts. Leighton travelled to the to the Middle East, the Mediterranean and his home has original pieces of art, beautiful furniture and is exquisitely decorated.

Orfeo ed Euridice: Frederic Leighton 1864

What you’ll find

You will feel your stepping into a home not a museum, a home full of books, furniture, statues and original artwork. It’s the touches such as the mosaic tiles, silk wallpaper, stained glass windows and documents such as Leighton’s passport that make this a must see. Every room is beautiful (if perhaps a little dark).

I spent a pleasant morning here, but honestly, it did not live up to my expectations (or memory).

stuffed peacock found in the staircase hall

dining room wallpaper

Details:

Entry fee £5

Nearest tube station: Kensington High Street

Nearby: Kensington High Street/Westfield (for shopping)

website: Leighton House Museum