The building was the London home of painter Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton (1830-1896), who commissioned the architect and designer George Aitchison to build him a combined home and studio noted for the incorporation of tiles and other elements purchased from the Near East to build a magnificent Qa’a (room). Recently reopened after an £8 million refurbishment, the house is a wonderful reflection of Victorian style layout, its furnishings and extraordinary period interiors. You are given a small pamphlet for each room. The Arab and Narcissus Halls are particularly exquisite and the museum houses a permanent exhibition of Victorian paints, drawings and sculpture. There is a café and you can wonder through the small garden.
Do join us by booking your own ticket direct with Leighton House Museum and emailing Virginia Wason at wason999@btinternet.com to let her know you are joining this visit. Virginia will meet you in the entrance hall by the ticket desk from 10.15. Look round at your own pace and Virginia will give a suggested time to gather for a coffee/tea in the café on the ground floor.
Please check the website for up to date guidelines regarding any Covid restrictions.
Adults tickets £11; concessions (eg visitors aged 65+) £9. Book your own tickets online.
Nearest tube stations: Kensington Olympia and High Street, Kensington (15 minutes); also buses 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328, C1.