Somerset House

Somerset House is a very beautiful Neoclassical building situated in the Strand  in central London, overlooking the River Thames. It’s a unique part of the London cultural scene. The Courtauld Gallery houses one of the finest Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections in the world.

The building’s architecture is very impressive. It holds a beautiful spiral staircase, with beautifully painted ceilings. Everything in the gallery is well thought out, and well arranged. Every room you turn into is amazing!

If you like visiting art galleries, here is an important place to visit. One of London’s best kept secrets.  Famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including iconic works by Manet, Degas, Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne. The displays extend into the 20th century with works by Modigliani, Matisse, Kandinsky and the Bloomsbury group, alongside masterpieces of German Expressionism and modern British art.

I went to the gallery to see Soutine’s Portraits: Cooks, Waiters, and Bellboys exhibition. A famous French painter who became fascinated by the waiting staff in french hotels and restaurants,  attired in boldly coloured uniforms. Soutine became famous for painting with the idea that profound emotion and a deep sense of humanity could be found in very modest sites. Painting these portraits, was the key to his reputation and turned him from a struggling painter into a wealthy one.

My visit to the gallery was very enjoyable. I managed to see both the Soutine exhibition, and the gallery’s collection. One good thing about the gallery was that it was not extremely busy. Somerset House, from time to time, holds numerous events, such as ice skating, fashion events, and, of course, art exhibitions. If your are visiting London do not miss the opportunity to visit this site.