The Courtauld Institute of Art is a college belonging to the University of London, and offers degrees in art history, teaching and curation. The Courtauld Gallery - undoubtedly its finest resource - is displayed in Somerset House in London; a Neoclassical palace on the Strand, beside the Thames.

The collection was formed by its founder, Samuel Courtauld, who presented his body of mainly French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in 1932, which was supplemented by later bequests from Roger Fry and Sir Robert Witt.

The Courtauld Gallery's art collection covers the 14th century up to present day, but is still best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Highlights include works by Manet, Cézanne, van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Gauguin. Earlier works include those by Botticelli, Tintoretto, Rubens and Van Dyck. It was very tempting to add a picture of Manet's "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère", but that would be doing a disservice to the hundreds of other paintings worthy of attention, that perhaps don't get the press, which that painting seems to effortlessly draw. Even the most reluctant art lover will recognise a significant portion of the collection.

It's also worth mentioning the light here too. It's very clean for London and the vast courtyard and facades of Somerset House, with their reflective stone effectively illuminate the art within. The gallery is well signposted and easy to find - you can either enter through the arch in the Strand, or make your way up from the Embankment. Staff are efficient, polite and on hand.

Often referred to as the most significant small art gallery in the world, it's well worth a visit for the impressionist paintings alone and the setting is spectacular. For those on a thrifty budget, go early on a Monday when admission is free. Also worth considering on a tight budget is the free tour of the building (Thursdays and Saturdays) - enquire on the way in and put your name down as it fills up fast.


Open: Daily 10.00 – 18.00 (last admission 17.30)
Admission: Adults £5, Concessions £4. (Free on Mondays between 10am-2pm)

 

The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN.

Temple, Covent Garden or Charing Cross Tube.

Call: 020 7848 2526

 

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