Apsley House - English Heritage
Apsley House, home of the 1st Duke of Wellington, is one of the capital's finest residences. Famously known as No.1 London, it was designed and built by Robert Adam between 1771-1778. Wellington made it his home in 1817 after a dazzling military career which culminated in his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. He enlarged the house, adding on the spectacular 90ft long Waterloo Gallery to create a setting fit for a Duke. It has been the London home of the Dukes of Wellington ever since. Apsley House boasts a remarkable collection of Spanish and Dutch masters paintings, including the world-famous 'Waterseller of Seville' by Velazquez.
Venue Type:
Historic house or home, Gallery
The sumptuous interiors are filled with the 1st Duke’s magnificent art collection. This includes outstanding paintings (many originally from the Spanish Royal Collection) by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens, Brueghel, Teniers, Steen, de Hooch, Lawrence and Wilkie; sculpture, including the colossal statue of Napoleon by Canova; porcelain including dining services from all the major factories of Europe; silver, including the 26ft long Portuguese centrepiece; furniture, swords, medals and memorabilia. The collection is largely arranged as it was by the first Duke, against the silk wall hangings and lavish gilt decoration of his London palace.
Collection details
Architecture, Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Personalities, Social History, Weapons and War
Objects relating to the Battle of Waterloo
A timeless collection of artefacts, gifts, personal items, awards, paintings and ephemera in the possession of the Wellesley family. A quite unique assembly of the finest articles owned and gained by the First Duke of Wellington, from his special service to the British Nation.
Downstairs Diary
It's the children's first day as servants to the Duke. Mrs Perkins, his housekeeper is on hand to tell them what their jobs will be and how she expects them to behave. Find out if you have what it takes to work below stairs in a grand house!
Discovery visits last for 90 minutes and are charged at £90 for a group of 30. Please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/education or call 020 7499 5676 ext 24 to book.
Think It Write It
Using portraits in the Apsley collection for inspiration and a story-teller, students will develop skills in creative writing and descriptive language. This active workshop explores creative writing through storytelling, writing and performance.
Discovery visits last for 90 minutes and are charged at £90 for a group of 30. Please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/education or call 020 7499 5676 ext 24 to book.
Victorian Life with Hannah the Housemaid
It’s not easy being a servant in a grand house like Apsley. Hannah the housemaid will engage your class in role play, object handling and discussion about how her life at Apsley differs from their home lives today.
Discovery visits last for 90 minutes and are charged at £90 for a group of 30. Please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/education or call 020 7499 5676 ext 24 to book.
What's In A Face?
A portrait tells much more than simply what a person looked like. Children work with an artist to discover the hidden information in the Apsley portraits, followed by a step-by-step guide to drawing portraits using key drawing skills such as face mapping and shading.
Discovery visits last for 90 minutes and are charged at £90 for a group of 30. Please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/education or call 020 7499 5676 ext 24 to book.
Apsley House - English Heritage
149 Piccadilly
Hyde Park Corner
London
Greater London
W1J 7NT
England
Website
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/apsley-house/
Telephone
020 7499 5676
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