The collection dates from 1824, when the government acquired 38 paintings from businessman and philanthropist, John Julius Angerstein, for £57,000. In 1838, a purpose-built building was commissioned, giving us the much loved William Wilkins building on Trafalgar Square. We look at the highs and lows of the gallery’s early years, including suffragette sabotage, bombs and theft.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Mr Simon Whitehouse
Simon is a (recovering) actor, lecturer, presenter, Alexander Technique and voice teacher and award winning London Blue Badge guide.
He has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours. He is on the faculty of Ithaca College and also lectures for the Blue Badge Guide training course on the performing arts and English literature.
Simon’s specialisms and passions are theatre, literature, fashion and art history but whatever the subject, Simon will weave a wonderful story from it.
GALLERY 
OTHER EVENTS
Society
Dr Jacqueline Cockburn
3 Feb 2026 - 13:45
Online Event
Society
Mr Simon Rees
12 Feb 2026 - 10:30
The Spread Eagle Hotel
Online Event
The history and culture of an important trading league based on the Baltic Sea