The Wallace Collection; A Palace of Genius by Rupert Dickens

The finest Private Art Collection ever bequeathed to a nation, the Wallace Collection is a rich and varied treasure trove that is relatively little-known despite being a short walk from London’s Oxford Street.

Paintings by Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Hals and Velazquez sit alongside Sevres porcelain, French eighteenth century furniture and princely armour.

This lecture will relate the history of the collectors, the wealthy and eccentric Hertford family, from the scandalous third Marquess, to Sir Richard Wallace, illegitimate son of the fourth Marquess.

We will trace the stories behind the exhibits, some of which were owned by exotic figures of the ancien regime such as Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour.

How to book this event:

Members do not need to book.

Non-members are very welcome and can pay at the Door.

If you are not yet a Member please email rupert.machenry@ntlworld.com to book a place. Non-members pay £15 which is refunable if you subsequently join the Society.

Tea, coffee and buscuits are served after the lecture to give us all a chance to chat with each other and the Lecturer.

Doors open at 13.30 and the Lecture starts promptly at 14.00hrs

There is limited parking available at the Hall but NO PARKING against the stone walls surrounding the car park - these spaces are 'let' to the hospital opposite.

DOCUMENTS

Membership form Arts Soc 2026 -27.docx

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Rupert Dickens

Rupert Dickens is an art historian based in south London with a special interest in Dutch and Flemish 16th and 17th century painting. He works at the Wallace Collection as a guide conducting public and private tours and lecturing on aspects of the collection. Rupert is also a tour director for a Cambridge-based company accompanying groups on art-themed tours to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Italy. He has lectured to large audiences on subjects as diverse as the game of chess in art and Madame de Pompadour’s artistic patronage in 18th century France. He studied art history at Birkbeck College before undertaking a Masters in Dutch Golden Age Studies at University College London. Before that Rupert had a 26-year career as a BBC journalist ending as an editor in radio news.

GALLERY