Overview
British collectors were much slower than their French, Russian and American counterparts to perceive the beauty and greatness of Impressionism. Textile magnate Samuel Courtauld was an exception: his enthusiasm for Manet, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro and Sisley, as well as Degas, Gaugin and Cézanne, led to the formation of one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world.
He also founded, in 1930, the Courtauld Institute of Art, to which he bequeathed most of his paintings – now on show in the grand eighteenth-century surroundings of Somerset House – and left a bequest to the National Gallery to assist with the purchase of Impressionists. So here in Trafalgar Square, at the other end of Strand, there is now an excellent group of Impressionists, the result of private bequests, long-term loans and occasional purchase.
Artists working in Britain such as Whistler, Sargent, Sickert and Steer also engaged with aspects of the Impressionist movement. In 1889 Steer and Sickert even staged an exhibition entitled London Impressionists. The final session of the day will be at Tate Britain where several works by these and other artists are displayed.
Start
10.15am at the Courtauld Gallery.
Finish
c. 5.30pm at Tate Britain.
Price
£190. This includes entry to the Courtauld, gallery donations, mid-morning and mid-afternoon refreshments, lunch at the National Dining Rooms and travel by taxi between the venues.
More information about London Days gift vouchers.
Group size
Maximum 14 participants.
Cancellation
We will return the full amount if you notify us 22 or more days before the event. We will retain 50% if cancellation is made within three weeks and 100% if within three days. Please put your cancellation in writing to info@martinrandall.co.uk. We advise taking out insurance in case of cancellation and recommend that overseas clients are also covered for possible medical and repatriation costs.
