At Home in a London Museum

March 01, 2007 - Diana Rosenthal, Jewish Exponent Feature

The thick scarlet carpet leads up a white marble staircase. On the third floor of the 17th-century townhouse, Rembrandt's "The Good Samaritan" hangs beside other canvases, their paint shiny and cracked in the sunlight.

This was the home of Sir Richard Wallace, a wealthy, art-obsessed man whose widow bequeathed his extensive collection to the public. The Wallace Collection opened as a museum in 1900.

"Sir Richard Wallace was just somebody who was collecting for his own pleasure, to invite friends and enjoy in his own home surroundings," said Marie Mascot, a gallery attendant.

This is also how it feels when you visit: like an intimate drop-in to a friend's posh art-filled townhouse. The collection has not changed since 1897. The walls are papered; the furniture is arranged. The lights are dim. You move freely from floor to floor, usually accompanied by only a few other visitors.

"It's a really nice house with all sorts of things," said Matt Zavislan, 12, a tourist from Colorado. Zavislan and his family, who were visiting London for the first time, came for the extensive exhibit of armor from around the world.

There are also life-size knights and horses in full armor -- visitors are invited to try on replica armor -- and 17th- and 18th-century paintings, porcelain and furniture. You'll see many paintings by Jean Baptiste Greuze and Diego Velazquez.

Free Classes
You'll also find other family-friendly attractions, such as the often-free art classes and tours. It's easy to plan ahead, as workshops are listed on the museum Web site.

The child-friendly atmosphere is a unique feature of the collection, but not the defining one. The museum also attracts those who appreciate more esoteric art. Mascot considers part of the collection to be "for experienced art viewers."

For more information, visit: www.wallacecollection. org.