# Russell-Cotes

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The Russell-Cotes house is a Museum & Art Gallery located in Bournemouth with stunning panoramic views of the sea.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://russellcotes.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Job Opportunities](https://russellcotes.com/job-opportunities/): Work at the Russell-Cotes Business Manager Help shape the next chapter of one of Bournemouth’s most distinctive cultural attractions We’re looking for an experienced, creative and entrepreneurial Business Manager to help build a financially sustainable future for the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. After 100 years, the Museum is entering a significant new chapter as
- [Collections Enquiries](https://russellcotes.com/collections-enquiries/): Collections enquiries information, including Russell-Cotes conservation and restoration, image licensing, loans and valuations.
- [Aged 18-25? Join us on the Going Places Project!](https://russellcotes.com/going-places-recruitment/): Interested in exhibitions and collections? Curious about heritage? Want to learn about exhibition curation? Are you aged 18-25? Join us on for Going Places!
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://russellcotes.com/frequently-asked-questions/): Here you will find the answers to some of our frequently asked questions. If the answer you're looking for is not here, please feel free to contact us.
- [Café](https://russellcotes.com/cafe/): The Russell-Cotes outdoor Terrace Café and Museum Café The Russell-Cotes Café serves a delicious range of light lunches, teas, coffees, and cakes. Café at the Museum opening times are 10am - 4.30pm Tuesdays - Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays Situated in the light and airy modern wing of the museum, the Café is the perfect
- [Volunteering](https://russellcotes.com/volunteering/): Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. We currently have the following Volunteer roles available: Going Places Project - Opportunity for 18-25 year-olds - Find Out More ROLE - Volunteer Steward ROLE - Garden Volunteer To apply for any of these positions please click here to go to
- [Forthcoming Closures](https://russellcotes.com/forthcomingclosures/): The Russell-Cotes is closed to the public on Mondays, however we are open on most Bank Holiday Mondays. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum will be CLOSED on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, 25 and 26 December 2026, re-opening on Sunday 27 December 2027, and will be also open Bank Holiday Monday, 28 December 2026.
- [Opening Times](https://russellcotes.com/opening-times/): Historic House and Museum The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is open Tuesdays - Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am–5pm. You can purchase tickets upon arrival on the day of your visit, or pre-book admission in advance. Pre-book your admission online The Museum Café is open Tuesday - Sunday 10am–4.30pm Please note: The Russell-Cotes Art
- [Admission Prices](https://russellcotes.com/admission-prices/): Current admission prices to the Russell-Cotes. Income generated from admissions allows us to open to visitors and care for the historic house and collection.
- [Swanage Cousins Reunite with Their Flower Fairy Portrait at Russell-Cotes Exhibition](https://russellcotes.com/swanage-cousins-reunite-with-their-flower-fairy-portrait/): Swanage cousins who modelled for Flower Fairies™ creator Cicely Mary Barker have been reunited with original artwork more than 70 years later at Russell-Cotes
- [Getting Here](https://russellcotes.com/getting-here/): It's easy to reach us by train, bus, bike or foot. Help us cut carbon and traffic if you can. View a Google map of where we are here. By FootThe Russell-Cotes is on the East Cliff Promenade, just two minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier and ten minutes walk from the town centre. By BikeThere
- [Afternoon Tea at the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/afternoontea/): Afternoon Tea for Two at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum Treat yourself and someone important to you to the perfect sharing experience in the perfect venue. Enjoy a treat of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicious mini cakes with tea, for £41 (option of a sparkling afternoon tea with prosecco for £53). Book your
- [Accessibility](https://russellcotes.com/accessibility/): We are committed to making the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum as accessible as we can for everyone. If you require any assistance during your visit, our friendly team of staff and volunteers are on hand to help. For extra support, we also offer a free admission ticket for a carer or companion accompanying a
- [Slow Looking Audio Guides for Reading the Room: Domestic Interiors in Art](https://russellcotes.com/reading-the-room-audio-guides/): Welcome to our slow looking audio guides. These three audio guides focus on one painting each from the Reading the Room: Domestic Interiors in Art exhibition.
- [New Mini Exhibition Now Open](https://russellcotes.com/new-mini-exhibition-now-open/): New Mini Exhibition, Reading the Room: Domestic Interiors in Art, is now open in the Print Room at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth
- [Where Dorset Landscapes Meet the Magic of Flower Fairies™](https://russellcotes.com/where-dorset-landscapes-meet-the-magic-of-flower-fairies/): Where Dorset Landscapes Meet the Magic of Flower Fairies™, magical exhibition at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
- [Exclusive After Hours Tours](https://russellcotes.com/after-hours-tour/): Treat your guests to a fascinating tour of the Victorian villa, followed by a glass of wine in the Edwardian Galleries. Our tours will reveal the compelling story of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, who collected art, travelled the world, and ran one of the finest hotels in Europe. Expect a tale that takes
- [Opportunities for Students at the Russell-Cotes: Work Experience, Placements & Projects](https://russellcotes.com/students/): Student Projects The museum receives many requests by students to use the space for photoshoots, film projects, exhibitions, events, and interviews. We are unable to grant every request and have introduced a criteria to judge student proposals based on your requirements, the equipment you wish to use, staff capacity, and how it will benefit the
- [Further and Higher Education](https://russellcotes.com/further-and-higher-education/): The Russell-Cotes offers an immersive environment which is ideal for stimulating creativity and encouraging investigation. Group VisitsWe welcome group visits all year round, for enquiries or to make a group booking please email russellcotes.learning@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or contact us on 01202 128000 (during opening hours).Group visits for University and Higher Education College students are charged at £7
- [Home Education Visits](https://russellcotes.com/home-education/): The Russell-Cotes is an excellent resource for Home Educated students. Home Education visits are able to occur at any time during our regular opening hours.
- [School Visits](https://russellcotes.com/school-visits/): The Russell-Cotes is the ideal environment to stimulate and inspire children's imaginations and creativity, and enrich your curriculum studies.
- [Afternoon Tea](https://russellcotes.com/afternoon-tea/): Afternoon Tea for Two at the Russell-Cotes Enjoy a treat of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicious mini cakes with tea, for £41 (option of a sparkling afternoon tea with prosecco for £53). Book your Afternoon Tea online If you have any queries about your booking please contact us by calling 01202 128000 or emailing russellcotes@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
- [Plan Your Language School Visit – Inspiring Learning for Students](https://russellcotes.com/language-schools/): The stunning Victorian house and galleries offer a popular and unique learning experience for language school visits.
- [Groups - Discover Unsurpassed Art, History and Culture](https://russellcotes.com/groups/): We welcome visits from groups, and we would be delighted to create a wonderful experience for you and your guests. Book your visit today!
- [Japan Events - Inspired by BBC Civilisations: Rise and Fall](https://russellcotes.com/japan-events/): Celebrate the Japan Episode of the 2025 BBC series Civilisations: Rise and Fall at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum with talks, tours and object handling.
- [Hire Our Stunning Conservatory: Exclusive Venue at Russell-Cotes Museum](https://russellcotes.com/conservatory-hire/): Host Your Event in a Truly Unique Setting. Step into elegance at the Russell-Cotes Conservatory, a breathtaking space in Bournemouth’s iconic Victorian Villa.
- [Site Map](https://russellcotes.com/site-map/): Visit Opening Times Admission Prices Café Getting Here Accessibility Forthcoming Closures Group & Education Visits About What is the Russell-Cotes? The House, Galleries & Garden About the Collection Online Collections Collection Enquiries What's On Support Us Friends of the Russell-Cotes Friends Zone Make a Donation Sponsorship Legacies More Volunteering Job Opportunities Venue Hire Management Committee
- [Technical Access Statement](https://russellcotes.com/technical-access-statement/): Technical Access Statement for russellcotes.com Last updated: 27 November 2025This statement applies to https://www.russellcotes.com. Our Commitment We want everyone to enjoy using our website. This means you should be able to: Change text size and zoom without losing content Navigate using a keyboard or screen reader Access content easily on mobile and desktop We aim
- [Audio Guide for Continuing the Legacy: New Acquisitions at the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/recent-acquisitions-audio-guide/): Welcome to our exhibition audio guide. This free tour provides insights into all 22 works on display, taking you through the exhibition at your own pace.
- [Bronze Japanese Incense Burner (Koro)](https://russellcotes.com/guess-the-object/): Bronze Japanese Incense Burner (Koro) Highly decorative incense burners are demonstrations of artisans’ technical mastery and aesthetic sophistication, showcasing their of craftsmanship with their eloquent detail. They are often sought after collectables, considered a prized Japanese art form. This koro has a minogame, a mythical turtle with a long feathery tail of seaweed and algae
- [Artist as Witness: Powerful New Exhibition at Russell-Cotes Explores the Impact of War through Art](https://russellcotes.com/artist-as-witness-powerful-new-exhibition/): Artist as Witness explores 100 years of war art at Russell-Cotes, with 70+ works from WWI to Ukraine, including rare loans and powerful new pieces.
- [Russell-Cotes to share its collection with museums UK-wide in major touring project](https://russellcotes.com/russell-cotes-going-places/): The Russell-Cotes is one of 20 organisations taking part in Going Places - a landmark £5.36m exhibition collaborative touring project with Art Fund.
- [Summer Drinks on the Terrace](https://russellcotes.com/summer-drinks/): With views looking across the Russell-Cotes Garden to the glorious sweep of the sea, the museum Terrace is one of Bournemouth's most desirable spots for a celebration. Delight your guests or clients with an evening Summer Soirée with Pimms & lemonade or Prosecco. Venue Hire: The Terrace can be hired from 6.00pm - 8.00pm for
- [Unique Filming and Photography Location](https://russellcotes.com/unique-filming-and-photography-location/): There is nowhere in the world quite like the Russell-Cotes for your filming location - a spectacular Victorian Villa overlooking the sea, full of art and atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a grand Victorian house with original decoration for a sweeping historical epic, or a beautiful backdrop to an interview, the Russell-Cotes will offer you
- [Children and Families](https://russellcotes.com/children-families/): Children's Guide Pick up a copy of our Children's Guide to the Russell-Cotes, full of activites to keep little ones occupied during a visit to the Russell-Cotes. Free of charge, donations welcomed. Trails Stop at the Learning Gallery on the way into the historic house and pick up a trail to complete in the house.
- [Make a Donation](https://russellcotes.com/donations/): The Russell-Cotes is a registered charity, and we rely on you! This is a difficult time for arts and heritage. We are working hard to ensure that Merton and Annie's incredible gift to Bournemouth is preserved as they intended, and are committed to maintaining your heritage and the excellent standard of exhibitions we are known for. You
- [Beautiful Russell-Cotes Conservatory Welcomes Visitors Again after Restoration](https://russellcotes.com/russell-cotes-conservatory-restoration/): After years of battling leaks and strategically positioning buckets to catch rainwater, the restoration of this stunning Victorian glasshouse is complete.
- [Drinks Receptions](https://russellcotes.com/drinks-receptions/): A Palace of Art ‘You have built and fitted up, with the greatest beauty and elegance, a palace, and filled it with gems of art…’ Oscar Wilde Are you looking for a unique and spectacular setting to entertain and wow your guests? Perfect for celebrating, networking, or post-conference social evenings, a Drinks Reception at the
- [New Exhibition Coming Soon - May Morris: Art & Advocacy](https://russellcotes.com/may-morris-coming-soon/): This beautiful exhibition will explore the wide-ranging talents and accomplishments of May Morris, daughter of Arts & Craft designer, William Morris.
- [Russell-Cotes thrilled to be awarded over £1.5 million for vital repairs of exposed building](https://russellcotes.com/museum-awarded-1-5-million/): The Russell-Cotes has been awarded a grant of over £1.5 million for vital repairs, from Museum Estate and Development Fund, delivered by Arts Council England.
- [Explore the Collection online](https://russellcotes.com/explore-collection/): Explore our collection pages on our website, featuring works on display. We are currently in the process of building and expanding this section.
- [About the Russell-Cotes Collections](https://russellcotes.com/russell-cotes-collection-about/): Find out about the Russell-Cotes Collection, including the history of the collections, our founding collections and later acquisitions.
- [The House, Galleries & Garden](https://russellcotes.com/house-galleries-garden/): Find out more about the House, Galleries & Garden of East Cliff Hall, the home of Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes, now the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
- [What is the Russell-Cotes?](https://russellcotes.com/what-is-the-russell-cotes/): The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a historic house and art gallery on Bournemouth's East Cliff, overlooking the sea.
- [Highlights and Insights](https://russellcotes.com/highlights-and-insights/): Here you can find some personal responses by our Volunteers about some of their highlights from the Russell-Cotes collection. Some of them may be the more significant artworks, and others may be hidden gems. Othello Fiona Winrow is a Volunteer Learning Assistant and Volunteer Steward at the museum. She has selected one of her highlights
- [Russell-Cotes awarded £30,000 towards groundbreaking new Tempera Revival Exhibition](https://russellcotes.com/russell-cotes-awarded-paul-mellon-grant/): The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum has been awarded a £30,000 Curatorial Research Grant by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.
- [Friends of the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/friends-scheme/): Friends of the Russell-Cotes Your generous contribution will help preserve and maintain the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum for years to come. Join online here Become our friend today Do you love the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum? Do you linger in the quirky historic rooms wanting to know more about some of the artefacts,
- [Management Committee Members](https://russellcotes.com/management-committee/): Members of the Management Committee of Russell Cotes Museum & Art Gallery (RCAGM) Members of the Management Committee play a vital part in setting the strategic direction of the Museum and ensuring it flourishes for years to come. The current Management Committee comprises of: Chair: Prof Stuart Bartholomew Sir George Meyrick Alan Frost Fiona Winrow
- [Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place now open!](https://russellcotes.com/artists-in-purbeck-private-view/): Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place opens with Private View at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth, attended by the Mayor of Bournemouth
- [Brand New Exhibition - Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place](https://russellcotes.com/new-exhibition-artists-in-purbeck/): A new exhibition, Artists in Purbeck, explores the Isle of Purbeck through the eyes of artists, is opening at Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.
- [A Painter in Paris: Albert de Belleroche](https://russellcotes.com/albert-de-belleroche-exhibition/): Dive into the world of Albert de Belleroche (1864-1944) at the Russell-Cotes, with an exhibition of paintings & lithographs, exploring Paris and Impressionism.
- [Russell-Cotes acquires sketches of landmark Lucy Kemp-Welch painting](https://russellcotes.com/lucy-kemp-welch-sketches-acquisition/): Russell-Cotes acquires sketches of landmark Lucy Kemp-Welch painting, thanks to Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Art Fund.
- [Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Receives £36,000 from Bournemouth Civic Society for Recreation of Historic Children's Garden Pavilion](https://russellcotes.com/funding-from-bournemouth-civic-society/): Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Receives £36,000 from Bournemouth Civic Society for Recreation of Historic Children's Garden Pavilion Sarah Newman, Manager of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, receives a cheque from Ken Mantock FRSA, President of the Bournemouth Civic Society. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is thrilled to announce the receipt of a
- [Private Hire](https://russellcotes.com/private-hire/): Hold your corporate or private event in the spectacular backdrop of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, surrounded by paintings, sculptures and treasures from around the world. Immerse your clients, guests or staff members in the timeless elegance of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum for your next corporate event. Located on Bournemouth's East Cliff
- [Meet Our Musicians](https://russellcotes.com/meet-our-musicians/): Come along and enjoy the delight of the historic house filled with music. Our Music Volunteers create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, bringing the house to life. This music is intended to be enjoyed as you explore the museum, it is not a formal performance. Please be aware that times may vary and sometimes music
- [Sponsorship](https://russellcotes.com/sponsorship/): We are dedicated to maintaining our incredible house and collections, and to keep providing world class exhibitions to the local and visiting populations, and we need your help. Russell-Cotes' supporters help us to engage with new audiences, showcase and care for the house and its remarkable collections, and put on an exciting programme of special exhibitions, learning and
- [Ambassador of Thailand visits the Russell-Cotes in Bournemouth to open new Siam exhibition](https://russellcotes.com/ambassador-of-thailand-visits-the-russell-cotes/): On Wednesday 25 October 2023 the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum had a visit from His Excellency, Ambassador Thani Thongphakdi to open their brand new exhibition, Siam: Through the Lens of John Thomson. The exhibition opening was met with tremendous excitement as these unique photographs tell the story of one of the first photographers to explore and document Thailand and Cambodia in the 19th Century.
- [How was your visit?](https://russellcotes.com/survey/): Have you visited recently? We'd love to hear your views! Click here to leave a review Click here to complete a survey We are working to develop a better understanding of our audiences. By answering these questions you'll be helping us to improve the visitor experience and to gather the information we need to support
- [Lucy Kemp-Welch Exhibition Tour](https://russellcotes.com/lucy-kemp-welch-exhibition-tour/): Here is the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum's exhibition tour of esteemed British equestrian painter Lucy Kemp-Welch, the first major exhibition of the artist’s work in over twenty years.
- [Our Lucy Kemp-Welch Open Call Shortlisted Artists Announced](https://russellcotes.com/open-call-shortlist/): Earlier this year, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth announced an online open call in collaboration with their new exhibition: In Her Own Voice, The Art of Lucy Kemp-Welch. Artists were asked to respond and interpret the exhibition through their own chosen medium.
- [Susan Calman visits Victorian treasure trove in her Grand Week by the Sea in Bournemouth](https://russellcotes.com/susan-calman-visits-victorian-treasure-trove/): Watch here as Susan Calman visits the beautiful Victorian home turned museum which is situated just a few minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Bournemouth, England, lies a hidden gem that offers a captivating journey into the world of Victorian art and culture. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, housed in a magnificent Victorian mansion, is a testament to the passion for art and travel of its founders, Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. Step back in time as we delve into the enchanting allure of this unique establishment, where a treasure trove of Victorian paintings and artifacts awaits.
- [Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes Great Great Grandson visits the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth](https://russellcotes.com/great-great-grandson-visits-the-russell-cotes/): On Tuesday 15th August 2023, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum received visitors who are descendants of the founders of Bournemouth’s infamous museum. Son of Audrey Stanford, William Russell Spear visited the museum with his wife, son, and grandchildren to take in the delights of their ancestor’s home and collection.
- [Support Us](https://russellcotes.com/support-us/): The Russell-Cotes is Bournemouth’s unique and unrivalled arts attraction by the sea, a captivating, immersive and living expression of the power of love for people, place and art from around the world. We welcome 50,000 annual visitors to step back into Annie and Merton’s villa by the sea, and immerse themselves in stories, art and
- [Legacies](https://russellcotes.com/legacies/): A gift in your will, however large or small, will help us to care for this unique building and collection and create lasting memories for future visitors.
- [Sustainability](https://russellcotes.com/sustainability/): We are committed to improving our sustainability throughout all aspects of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum's operation. TransportAs an attraction we are committed to encouraging and supporting staff, volunteers and visitors to adopt lower-impact modes of transport. Getting Here Energy Review We are currently undertaking a new Environmental Report which is looking at ways
- [Contact Us](https://russellcotes.com/contact-us/): For further information and enquiries. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum East Cliff Promenade Bournemouth BH1 3AA For enquiries or to make a group booking, please contact us on: +44 (0)1202 128000 (during opening hours) Email: russellcotes@bcpcouncil.gov.uk For Venue and Corporate Hire enquiries, please visit our Venue Hire page. For information about collections, conservation and restoration,
- [Russell-Cotes Quiz](https://russellcotes.com/russell-cotes-quiz/): So you think you know the Russell-Cotes? Test your knowledge of the house, history and artworks with our quizzes. Some questions are related to objects and artworks not currently on display. To help you, you can find information about the Russell-Cotes family and collection in the following locations.House informationCollection HistoryOnline CollectionsExplore the Russell-Cotes collection on
- [Newsletter](https://russellcotes.com/newsletter/): Subscribe to our newsletter and receive details of exhibitions, events and activities at the Russell-Cotes. Click here to sign up to our newsletter
- [Privacy Policy](https://russellcotes.com/privacy-policy/): BCP Council's Tourism Services Privacy Policy can be found here Privacy Notice
- [Mysterious Museum](https://russellcotes.com/mysterious-museum/): Objects and Paintings to Inspire you at Halloween Historic Houses have always occupied a strange, liminal kind of space, between the present and the past, and where each object and painting represents a window into a whole other world. Here at the Russell-Cotes, the lives of Merton and Annie shine through every element of your
- [The Bathers](https://russellcotes.com/the-bathers/): Susan is one of our Volunteer Tour Guides, and here she talks about one of her favourite sculptures in the museum - The Bathers, by Edward Bowring Stephens - a stunning piece in which a mother and reluctant child are poised ready to enter the water. Background Edward Bowring Stephens was born in Exeter, Devon
- [Samuel](https://russellcotes.com/samuel/): I’m Graham and I’m fortunate to be one of the musical volunteers that play in the house. Sometimes I’ll be by myself, and sometimes with Veronika, the wonderful flute player. I started playing in Gallery 1, but more recently I have been playing in the main hall which has nice acoustics and where I’ve found
- [Annie's Songbook](https://russellcotes.com/annies-songbook/): Sara Martin is a Music Volunteer at the Russell-Cotes. You may have heard her play the piano as you have explored the historic house. Here she describes a selection of tunes that Annie Russell-Cotes collected into a songbook, recently acquired by the museum. I felt very honoured to see Annie’s songbook in recent times and
- [Othello](https://russellcotes.com/othello/): Fiona Winrow is a Volunteer Learning Assistant and Volunteer Steward at the museum. She has selected one of her highlights of the museum collection, and has unearthed an interesting story about this stunning bronze and marble sculpture of Othello. The subject of Italian sculptor Pietro Calvi’s bust in the Moorish Alcove is rather interesting, as
- [The Russell-Cotes Charity](https://russellcotes.com/the-russell-cotes-charity/): Sir Merton Russell-Cotes gave Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, his wife, East Cliff Hall on the occasion of her 66th birthday in 1901. This gift was an expression of deep love for his wife and celebrated their life together travelling and collecting around the world. They gifted their house and Edwardian galleries to the people of Bournemouth
- [Community & Access](https://russellcotes.com/community-access/): The Russell-Cotes was given to the people of Bournemouth and it is our aim to be accessible to as wide an audience as possible. We work on site and via outreach with community partners to open our collections to all. Tactile Tours Visually impaired visitors can explore the Russell-Cotes through touch. Museums to You We
- [Early Years](https://russellcotes.com/early-years/): Early Explorers for Early Years Providers Fun themed sessions tailored for younger visitors aged 2-5 year olds. Explore the historic house, sing songs, listen to a story and create a craft. Themes Include; Animal Safari, Under the Ocean, Other Cultures, The Seasons & Family and Friends Contact russellcotes.learning@bcpcouncil.gov.uk for further details or call 01202 451830.
- [BH Coastal Lottery](https://russellcotes.com/lottery/): We are delighted to be a part of the new BH Coastal Lottery, just launched in 2019. This new lottery provides a fun way of giving back to local causes - from your £1 entry, 50p goes straight to the cause of your choice, and a further 10p goes into a development fund for smaller charities (the

## Pages

- [Home - Welcome to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum](https://russellcotes.com/): Discover the beauty of Bournemouth's East Cliff at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Immerse yourself in art, history, and stunning views.
- [News & Stories - exciting updates from the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/blog/): News and stories from the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, find out more about upcoming exhibitions, collections news and museum updates!
- [Venue Hire](https://russellcotes.com/venue-hire/)
- [Group & Education Visits](https://russellcotes.com/groups-and-education/): Find out about visits for groups, schools, further education, work experience, student placements & language schools
- [Support Us](https://russellcotes.com/support-us/): The Russell-Cotes is a charity and relies on your support to maintain its Grade 2* listed building and internationally important collections.
- [About the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/about/): What is the Russell-Cotes? Find out about our history, collections and explore some of the collection online.
- [The Collection](https://russellcotes.com/collection/)
- [Visit](https://russellcotes.com/visit/)
- [Donate to the Russell-Cotes Charity](https://russellcotes.com/donate/)
- [House](https://russellcotes.com/house/)
- [Online Collections](https://russellcotes.com/online-collections/)
- [More](https://russellcotes.com/more/)
- [What's On](https://russellcotes.com/whats-on/)

## Events

- [Cancelled: Journey to Japan](https://russellcotes.com/event/japan-evening/): We are sorry to let you know that this event has been cancelled. Please keep an eye on our website for other upcoming Japanese-themed events, as part of the programme around our new exhibition Edo Women: Japanese Prints, 1820 - 1900. 6.00pm - 8.30pm Thursday 12 November 2026 Join us for an evening celebrating the
- [Edo Women: Japanese Prints 1820–1900](https://russellcotes.com/event/edo-women/): Discover Edo Women at the Russell-Cotes, a fascinating exhibition of Japanese prints exploring women's lives in nineteenth-century Japan.
- [Tour: Design Highlights of the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/event/design-tour/): Tour: Design Highlights of the Russell-Cotes Join us for a captivating guided tour exploring the design highlights and design masters of the Russell-Cotes collection, with a particular focus on ceramics, tiles, wall coverings, and many intricate features that shape the house’s remarkable interior design and decoration. Discover how Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes curated their home
- [Upstairs Downstairs Tour: Behind the Scenes at East Cliff Hall](https://russellcotes.com/event/upstairs-downstairs/): Join a member of our curatorial team for a tour of areas of the house not open to the public, including downstairs rooms which were guest and servants' rooms.
- [Evening Event: Victorian Gothic](https://russellcotes.com/event/victorian-gothic/): Explore the rich, dark history of Victorian Gothic literature and the darker side of Victorian culture. 6.00pm - 8.30pm Friday 30 October 2026 Tickets £15, Friends Members £12* Pre-booking is recommended as these events can sell out - Book your Ticket Here. This event will provide an opportunity for you to explore the museum in
- [Chaseside40 Art Exhibition](https://russellcotes.com/event/chaseside40/): An exhibition showcasing artwork created by JPMorganChase colleagues to mark the firm's 40-year anniversary in Bournemouth.
- [Tour: Conversations with Art](https://russellcotes.com/event/conversations-dec/): Conversations with Art Join us for a lively, interactive and creative look at some of our artworks, with a chance to discover some fascinating pieces and to share your thoughts and responses. Guided by our expert Anna, you’ll explore the Russell‑Cotes collection of sculptures in fresh, surprising ways that spark curiosity and open up new
- [Tour: Conversations with Art](https://russellcotes.com/event/conversations-nov/): Conversations with Art Join us for a lively, interactive and creative look at some of our artworks, with a chance to discover some fascinating pieces and to share your thoughts and responses. Guided by our expert Anna, you’ll explore the Russell‑Cotes collection of paintings in fresh, surprising ways that spark curiosity and open up new
- [Victorian Book Club - A Christmas Carol](https://russellcotes.com/event/book-club-dec/): Victorian Book Club - A Christmas Carol Saturday 5 December, 2.00pm - 3.00pm This session is now full. Join us at the Russell-Cotes for our Victorian Book Club, where we discuss books written or set during the Victorian period. The Victorian Book Club takes place on the first Saturday of the month. This month's book
- [Victorian Book Club - Possession](https://russellcotes.com/event/book-club-nov/): Victorian Book Club - Possession Saturday 7 November, 2.00pm - 3.00pm This session is now full. Join us at the Russell-Cotes for our Victorian Book Club, where we discuss books written or set during the Victorian period. The Victorian Book Club takes place on the first Saturday of the month. This month's book is Possession,
- [Half Term Activities](https://russellcotes.com/event/half-term/): Join us during February Half Term to explore our Purbeck exhibition and the seaside, with crafts and a trail around the historic house.
- [Purbeck Film Festival Screening: Tokyo Stories](https://russellcotes.com/event/tokyo-stories/): Exhibition on Screen - Tokyo Stories We are delighted to welcome the Purbeck Film Festival to the Russell-Cotes with an evening of entertainment, including: A drinks reception and chance to preview the upcoming exhibition Edo Women: Japanese Prints 1820 - 1900 A screening of the documentary Exhibition on Screen: Tokyo Stories A post-screening Q&A with the
- [Christmas at the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/event/christmas/): Step back in time and discover the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Bournemouth
- [Music at the Museum in October](https://russellcotes.com/event/music-october/): 'As music is to the ear, so is art to the eye' - Merton Russell-Cotes Come along and enjoy the delight of the historic house filled with music. Our Music Volunteers create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, bringing the house to life. This music is intended to be enjoyed as you explore the museum, it
- [Guided Tours in October](https://russellcotes.com/event/tours-october/): 'For many years I had it in mind that some day I would build a house after my own heart as an offering of love and affection to my wife' Our Guided Tours introduce you to the wonderful story of Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes and how they came to create the vision of East Cliff
- [Something Borrowed](https://russellcotes.com/event/something-borrowed/): 22 September - 8 November 2026 Drawn from the Arts University Bournemouth’s costume archive, Something Borrowed explores nearly 150 years of wedding dress, revealing the women, lives and stories held within these cherished garments. From family heirlooms and cultural symbolism to changing fashions and silhouettes, each dress offers a glimpse into the circumstances, aspirations and
- [Waves of Change](https://russellcotes.com/event/waves-of-change/): Waves of Change 20 October – 29 November 2026 Waves of Change is an exhibition exploring how Bournemouth's Jewish community has impacted the rich heritage and growth of area. From its early beginnings to more modern-day contributions, this exhibition charts the unique history of the community against the backdrop of Bournemouth's own development as a
- [Sixpence Day (Free entry, donations welcomed)](https://russellcotes.com/event/sixpence-day/): Discover the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum for free on Sixpence Day, including the historic house and galleries, but we welcome any donation of 6p or more
- [Victorian Christmas Tours](https://russellcotes.com/event/christmas-tours/): Discover Victorian Christmas traditions, and festive stories about the Russell-Cotes collection on our charming Christmas Tours.
- [Christmas Closure](https://russellcotes.com/event/christmas-closure/): The Russell-Cotes will be closed to the public Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2026. We reopen Sunday 27 December.
- [Themed Tour: Evacuated Art](https://russellcotes.com/event/tour-wartime/): Themed Tour: Evacuated Art and Other Stories from the Second World War Sunday 8 November, 11.30am Discover the stories of the life of a museum in wartime Britain. Find out what happened the Russell-Cotes collection as the national prepared for a devastating bombing campaign; see life in wartime Britain through the eyes of the daughter
- [Reading the Room: Domestic Interiors in Art](https://russellcotes.com/event/reading-the-room/): Discover Reading the Room, exploring Victorian and Edwardian interiors in art, revealing the lives, routines and hidden stories within domestic spaces.
- [Father Christmas at the Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/event/father-christmas/): Visit Father Christmas in the beautifully festive Russell-Cotes historic house for a lovely personalised conversation and receive a small gift.
- [Victorian Christmas Evening Event](https://russellcotes.com/event/victorian-christmas-evening/): Join us for our December Museum Late, a special festive candlelit event with activities, object handling and performances.
- [Christmas Afternoon Tea](https://russellcotes.com/event/christmas-afternoon-tea/): Enjoy a Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Russell-Cotes, with Christmas Scones, festive sandwich fillings and cakes, and an option to have mulled wine or prosecco!
- [Object Handling: Exploring India](https://russellcotes.com/event/handling-nov/): Object Handling: Exploring India - 24 November Come along to get up close and personal with real museum artefacts - handle and learn more about these objects, which all relate to the theme: Exploring India Our Indian collection has a wide range of fascinating objects with rich and compelling stories to tell. The artefacts were
- [Object Handling: Exploring India](https://russellcotes.com/event/handling-oct/): Object Handling: Exploring India - 27 October Come along to get up close and personal with real museum artefacts - handle and learn more about these objects, which all relate to the theme: Exploring India Our Indian collection has a wide range of fascinating objects with rich and compelling stories to tell. The artefacts were
- [Themed Tour: From Darkness into Light](https://russellcotes.com/event/tour-darkness/): Themed Tour: From Darkness into Light - Finding Hope in Art In this tour, we reflect the themes of advent as we explore how artists have depicted hope and darkness, in their storytelling and the style of their works. Relax, enjoy and delve deeper into several of the most outstanding works of art in Gallery
- [Themed Tour: A Victorian Vision of Japan](https://russellcotes.com/event/tour-japan/): Themed Tour: A Victorian Vision of Japan Discover the rich and fascinating Japanese collection at the Russell-Cotes. Learn about Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes' visit to Japan, and how the Victorians became enchanted by Japanese art and design. Saturday 24 October, 2.30pm Themed Tours Join us to find new and different ways to look at the
- [Themed Tour: Evacuated Art](https://russellcotes.com/event/tour-wartime2/): Themed Tour: Evacuated Art and Other Stories from the Second World War Wednesday 11 November, 11.15am Discover the stories of the life of a museum in wartime Britain. Find out what happened the Russell-Cotes collection as the national prepared for a devastating bombing campaign; see life in wartime Britain through the eyes of the daughter
- [Relaxed Sketching](https://russellcotes.com/event/sketching-dec-1/): Sunday 6 December, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Join us for a session of friendly and relaxed sketching in the historic house. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. This is an opportunity to pick up some pencils and paper and be inspired by the Russell-Cotes collections and spaces. Artist Lasma Zeimule will be on
- [Relaxed Sketching](https://russellcotes.com/event/sketching-nov-1/): Sunday 15 November, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Join us for a session of friendly and relaxed sketching in the historic house. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. This is an opportunity to pick up some pencils and paper and be inspired by the Russell-Cotes collections and spaces. Artist Lasma Zeimule will be on
- [Relaxed Sketching](https://russellcotes.com/event/sketching-oct-1/): Sunday 18 October, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Join us for a session of friendly and relaxed sketching in the historic house. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. This is an opportunity to pick up some pencils and paper and be inspired by the Russell-Cotes collections and spaces. Artist Lasma Zeimule will be on
- [Relaxed Sketching](https://russellcotes.com/event/sketching-nov/): Thursday 26 November, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Join us for a session of relaxed sketching in the historic house. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. This is an opportunity to pick up some pencils and paper and be inspired by the paintings and sculptures on display in the galleries. Artist Paolo De Luca
- [Relaxed Sketching](https://russellcotes.com/event/sketching-oct/): Thursday 29 October, 2.00pm - 4.00pm Join us for a session of friendly relaxed sketching in the historic house. Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. This is an opportunity to pick up some pencils and paper and be inspired by the paintings and sculptures on display in the galleries. Artist Paolo De
- [Exploring Drawing - November Start](https://russellcotes.com/event/exploring-drawing-november-start/): Exploring Drawing led by artist Abi Kremer 5 week drawing course: 10.30am - 12.30pm Friday Mornings, 6 November - 4 December. Develop drawing skills of line, tone, composition and colour in the inspiring setting of Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Learn to sketch objects, including the sculptures, details of paintings and interiors using pencils and

## News

- [Local Secrets: The Top Hidden Gems in Bournemouth](https://russellcotes.com/news/local-secrets-the-top-hidden-gems-in-bournemouth/): When it comes to top things to do in Bournemouth, there's no shortage of great places to explore. But what about the hidden gems that you may not know about? In this blog post, we'll uncover some of the local secrets of this beautiful seaside town and take a look at the top hidden gems

## Collection Pieces

- [Gypsy Horse Drovers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/gypsy-horse-drovers/): Gypsy Horse Drovers Lucy Elizabeth Kemp Welch was born in Bournemouth in 1869. She studied at the famous Herkomer School of Art at Bushey under its founder Hubert von Herkomer. Her achievements there were reflected in the fact that she took over the school in 1905. She found success as an animal painter and more
- [George Bernard Shaw](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/george-bernard-shaw/): George Bernard Shaw Kathleen Scott was one of the finest sculptors of her day. Born Kathleen Bruce in Nottinghamshire, she studied at the Slade School of Art before studying under Auguste Rodin in Paris in 1905-06. In 1908 she married Captain Robert Falcon Scott, the Polar explorer who died in Antarctica in 1912, and her
- [The Gladstone Plate](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-gladstone-plate/): The Gladstone Plate The Gladstone Service was presented to the Prime Minister, William Gladstone (1809-1898) in 1883 by the Derby Liberals as a memento of fifty years of service to the Liberal party. The dessert service comprised 26 pieces and was designed by Richard Lunn. A small number of sample plates, such as this, were
- [Queen Victoria](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/queen-victoria/): Queen Victoria Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace, London, the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III. Her father died shortly after her birth and she became heir to the throne because her three uncles ahead of her in succession had no legitimate children who survived. Her marriage to
- [Skylight](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/skylight/): Skylight, 1949 The bespoke stained glass skylight depicts the daily transition of the sun, which is repeated below in the design of the mosaic pool and fountain, and the twelves signs of the zodiac. It is a replica of the original skylight which was destroyed on 7 October 1941, during the Second World War, by
- [A Venetian Beauty](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-venetian-beauty/): A Venetian Beauty (1880-1900) Breakspeare was born in Edgebaston, the son of an artist. He trained in Paris and at the Birmingham Government School of Design and was a founding member of the Birmingham Art Circle. He was also one of the ‘Birmingham Boys’, a group of artists from the city that went to Cornwall
- [Princess Alexandra](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/princess-alexandra/): Princess Alexandra, 1872 Alexandra of Denmark (1844-1925) married the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII (1841-1910)) in 1862 and held the title of Princess of Wales until her husband ascended the throne on the death of his mother Queen Victoria in 1901. She was an enormously popular figure; her style of dress and bearing were
- [Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/victoria-princess-royal-1840-1901/): Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901), 1858 This bust is likely that of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter Victoria, Princess Royal (1840-1901). As the eldest child of the British monarch, she was briefly heir presumptive until the birth of her younger brother, the future Edward VII. She was the mother of Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor. She
- [Feathered edge dessert plate](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/feathered-edge-dessert-plate/): Feathered edge dessert plate, c. 1753-1758 Botanical plates were produced at the Chelsea factory from c.1755 inspired by the publications of Philip Miller (1691-1771), curator of the Chelsea Physic Garden. The lively naturalism of the Chelsea botanical plates reflected a broadening public interest in the natural world. Increasing global commerce brought exotic species from the
- [Double handled chocolate cups](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/double-handled-chocolate-cups/): Pair of Double handled chocolate cups and covers with matching stands painted with scenes from John Home’s (1722-1808) Scottish drama Douglas (1756) and William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) Tempest, Act II Scene I, 1824 These ‘outside-decorated’ Chamberlain Chocolate cups and stands illustrate the vogue for amateur china painting. The factory’s record books document a supply of blank
- [Octagonal bowl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/octagonal-bowl/): Octagonal bowl with mother-of-pearl lustre exterior, orange lustre interior with butterflies c.1914-1920 Daisy Makeig-Jones (1881-1945) is best known for her Fairyland Lustre wares, lavishly-decorated pieces which depicted fantastical scenes of her own imagination. Daisy grew up in a middle-class family and was art trained. She was introduced to Major Cecil Wedgwood (1863-1916), director of the
- [Pedestal table](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/pedestal-table/): Pedestal table, 1884 This hand-painted porcelain tabletop depicts the portraits of William Shakespeare's (1564-1616) heroines within pages of curling paper by the artist Hilda Brodie. The profile portrait in the centre is that of Juliet from Romeo and Juliet (1597). The laughing woman is Anne Page from The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602). Cleopatra from
- [Great Argus](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/great-argus/): Great Argus, c. 1879 The great argus is a large species of pheasant and is common to the jungles of Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. They tend to feed on the forest floor, consuming insects, seeds, fruit and flowers. This species was given its name by zoologist Carl Linnaeus because of
- [Lund & Blockley Clock](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lund-blockley-clock/): Walnut grandfather clock, c. late 19th century Lund & Blockley comprised John Alexander Lund and Herbert Blockley who worked at 42 Pall Mall London from 1872-1876 (successors to Viner clockmakers), and had a branch in Bombay, India. They were retailers and manufacturers of house and turret clocks, including for Queen Victoria, between 1875 and 1905.
- [Densho](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/densho/): Densho, c.1880-1900 In Japanese ceremonies, suspended cast iron bells are used for signalling during the prayer and for calling Buddhists to worship. In China, similar bells were employed in ensembles, where they represented the yin, or ‘receptive’ principle, and were sounded after the beat of a large drum (yang, or ‘creative’ element). The densho incorporates
- [Qabqab](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/qabqab/): Qabqab, 19th century These wooden qabqab (bath clogs) are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The straps, which are missing, were likely made of embroidered velvet. The qabqabs were designed for their height as they lifted the wearer above the wet and dirty floor, but a personal attendant was needed for support. Their Arabic name, qabqab, derives from
- [Nalın](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/nalin/): Nalın, 19th century Each of these nalın (bath clogs), inlaid with mother-of-pearl, are carved in the shape of a fish. Fish motifs are also etched on the clogs, symbolising fertility and good fortune. Within the bathhouse women scrutinised one another’s physical beauty and, equally, the splendour of their embroidered towels and footwear. The straps of
- [Shatweh](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/shatweh/): Shatweh, c.19th century The shatweh was an essential part of a wedding costume and would have been worn with a festive veil. It was only worn by married women and widows around the Jerusalem and Bethlehem area. The bride’s father was responsible for providing the headdress which was adorned with multiple rows of coins, symbolising
- [Kashkūl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/kashkul/): Kashkūl, c. 19th century The Kashkūl, also known as a beggar’s bowl, is a container carried by wandering dervishes (belonging to the Islamic Sūfī sect) and used to collect money and other goods (sweets, gifts, etc.) usually after a street session of poetry recitation, religious eulogies, advice or entertainment. These typically boat-shaped vessels were made
- [Mrs St. Barbe Sladen (1819-1868)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mrs-st-barbe-sladen-1819-1868/): Mrs St. Barbe Sladen (1819-1868) Margaret McKenzie was a Scot who, in 1842, married Frederick St Barbe Sladen (1817-1899), a solicitor. Marochetti was a renowned sculptor and a favourite of Victoria and Albert’s who commissioned fifteen sculptures from him. Of aristocratic lineage, Marochetti trained and worked in Rome and Paris before establishing himself in France,
- [Dying Gaul, Main Hall](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dying-gaul-main-hall/): Dying Gaul The Dying Gaul is a copy of the Roman marble statue now held in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Likewise, this statue in Rome is a copy of a lost Hellenistic sculpture that is thought to have been executed in bronze. The Hellenistic original is estimated to have been commissioned between 230 BC
- [Mary Herbert (1849–1935), Baroness von Hügel](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mary-herbert-1849-1935-baroness-von-hugel/): Mary Herbert (1849–1935), Baroness von Hügel Baroness von Hügel was the wife of Baron Friedrich von Hügel (1852-1925) an influential Austrian Roman Catholic religious writer. Born Lady Mary Catherine Herbert, she was the daughter of the statesman Sidney Herbert, a convert to Roman Catholicism and a philanthropist. Dupré was an Italian sculptor whose success was due to his lifelike and
- [Sleeping Ariadne](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sleeping-ariadne/): Sleeping Ariadne This marble sculpture by an unknown artist is a copy of the sculpture acquired by Pope Julius II in 1512 and held in the Vatican Museum, Rome. The Vatican sculpture is from the period of Emperor Hadrian (c.128-138 AD) which was also a copy of what is believed to be a 2nd century BC
- [Ariadne on the Panther](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ariadne-on-the-panther/): Ariadne on the Panther, or Bacchante Riding on a Lion In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete. She fell madly in love with Theseus and helped him escape from the labyrinth and the Minotaur. Theseus however abandoned her on the island of Naxos. Ariadne later married Dionysus, god of wine.
- [Lord George Bentinck](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lord-george-bentinck/): Lord George Bentinck The subject of this head-and-shoulders sculpture is Lord William George Frederick Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck (1802-1848), better known as Lord George Bentinck, the second son of the 4th Duke of Portland. He served in the army before entering the House of Commons in 1828. Initially a moderate Whig, he voted for the emancipation of Roman
- [Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758-1805)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/horatio-nelson-1st-viscount-nelson-1758-1805/): Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1758-1805) Horatio Nelson is generally regarded as the greatest officer in the history of the Royal Navy. His reputation is based on a series of remarkable victories, culminating in the Battle of Trafalgar where he was killed in his moment of triumph. The poet Byron referred to him as 'Britannia's
- [John Landseer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/john-landseer/): John Landseer This half-length portrait bust of John Landseer (1769-1852) was completed in 1882, long after the sitter’s death but shows Landseer wearing clothes of the correct period. John Landseer was an English landscape engraver who worked for the publisher Thomas Macklin. His largest series of engravings was Twenty Views of the South of Scotland,
- [Lilas Blanc or The Countess](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lilas-blanc-or-the-countess/): Lilas Blanc or The Countess This bust was exhibited at the Salon of the Union des femmes peintres et sculpteurs (Union of Women Painters and Sculptors) in 1891, with the accompanying poem: Se peut-il qu'un regard aussi plein de tendresse Soit ici bas? C'est un parfum léger, qui vous prend, vous caresse, Rose et blanc
- [Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), 1st Earl of Beaconsfield](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/benjamin-disraeli-1804-1881-1st-earl-of-beaconsfield/): Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), 1st Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli was a British Statesman and novelist who was twice Prime Minister (1868, 1874-80). He played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party. Disraeli is remembered for his influential voice in world affairs, his political battles with the Liberal Party leader William Ewart
- [William Henry Smith, Esq. (1825-1891)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/william-henry-smith-esq-1792-1865/): William Henry Smith, Esq. (1825-1891) William Henry Smith (1825-1891), was the driving force behind the famous newsagent and stationer’s W. H. Smith. Established in 1792, W. H. Smith’s first store was opened by Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna in Little Grosvenor Street, London. A few decades later, W. H. Smith opened the first
- [Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/oliver-cromwell-1599-1658/): Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) This marble bust of Oliver Cromwell is a 19th century piece based on an original work by Louis-François Roubiliac, a French sculptor who came to London in 1730 and earned his living from commissions for portrait busts and church monuments. His most important works in Westminster Abbey are the monuments to the
- [Girl with Bows](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/girl-with-bows/): Bust of a Lady (Girl with Bows) Henri Emile Allouard was a prolific sculptor. This sculpture shows the head and upper body of an unnamed lady with her hair and blouse tied with ribbons. Allouard produced many sculptures of women, as well as other subjects in marble, terracotta and bronze. Allouard was a frequent exhibitor
- [Morning Prayer (Samuel)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/morning-prayer-samuel/): Morning Prayer (Samuel) The title refers to the Prophet Samuel (Shmu’el in Hebrew), who had been brought to the Temple of Shiloh as a young child to serve God. He lived in the 11th century BC and became a priest, prophet, judge and military leader. His life is documented in the First Book of Samuel,
- [Phryne](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/phryne/): Phryne (Frine) Phryne (c. 371 BC-after 316 BC) was an ancient Greek courtesan who became one of the wealthiest women in Greece. She is best known for her trial for impiety, where she was defended by the orator Hypereides. According to legend, she was acquitted after baring her breasts to the jury, though the historical
- [Hamlet](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamlet/): Hamlet First performed in 1603, Hamlet, The Prince of Denmark, is probably the William Shakespeare’s greatest play and one of the most famous English language plays ever written. Hamlet The character of Hamlet is complex and compelling and has been subjected to numerous interpretations and studies over the centuries. Andreoni was a prolific sculptor of
- [Female Figure](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/female-figure/): Female Figure This figure is probably Clio, the Muse of History, as she holds a book and her basket is filled with scrolls, all attributes of the daughter of Zeus. This sculpture was previously displayed on the roof of the portico of the first Rothesay Museum, which opened in 1963 as an extension of the
- [Sir Merton Russell-Cotes (1835-1921)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-merton-russell-cotes-1835-1921/): Sir Merton Russell-Cotes (1835-1921), JRFRGS, Mayor of Bournemouth (1891–1895) Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes travelled to many countries. It had been suggested by a friend that when they were in Rome they should commission busts of themselves in marble. In his autobiography, Home and Abroad, Merton records ‘We … made the necessary arrangements with Signor Gazzeri,
- [Cleopatra](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cleopatra/): Cleopatra, 1890-1900 Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC) was the famous Egyptian Queen and the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra aligned herself with Julius Caesar to regain the throne. After Caesar’s murder, she became Mark Antony’s lover. On 1 August 30BC Mark Antony committed suicide following the defeat of his army by Octavian, and Cleopatra later
- [Pharaoh's Daughter](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/pharaohs-daughter/): Pharaoh's Daughter This sculpture is a herm - a statue consisting of a squared stone pillar with a scene in low relief and a carved head of the Pharaoh’s daughter above. The story in Exodus is that the Pharaoh, who ruled Egypt, was concerned about the growing Hebrew population and therefore ordered the deaths of
- [Cockatoos, Toucan, Macaw and a Parrot](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cockatoos-toucan-macaw-and-a-parrot/): Cockatoos, Toucan, Macaw and a Parrot Henry Stacy Marks had been fond of birds since his childhood, but did not use them as subjects for his paintings until the middle of his very varied career. He frequently sketched parrots in London Zoo, near his home. These visits inspired what is probably his most famous painting
- [Bringing Home the Deer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bringing-home-the-deer/): Bringing Home the Deer Charles Jones was a skilled painter known especially for his scenic landscape paintings with animals such as sheep, cows and deer. His fondness for this, and his skilful and realistic portrayal of the animals, made him affectionately known as ‘Sheep Jones’. This is one of his most important works. It depicts
- [King Ahab’s Coveting](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/king-ahabs-coveting-2/): King Ahab’s Coveting This ambitious work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1879 as six separate paintings depicting Ahab's Coveting that read from top to bottom and left to right. Ahab covets or desires Naboth's vineyard Naboth refuses Ahab his vineyard Jezebel promises Ahab it will be obtained by false witnesses Elijah prophesises the
- [Caledonia, Stern and Wild](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/caledonia-stern-and-wild/): Caledonia, Stern and Wild The title of this painting is taken from canto VI of the poem by Sir Walter Scott Lay of the last minstrel (1806). It is indicative of the artist’s interests and the subject matter: Scottish glens and Highland cattle. Despite their subject, most of his paintings were executed in his studio
- [Horses](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/horses/): Horses This landscape painting portrays a rural scene with two horses, one of them feeding from a nose bag. Horses were fed from a nose bag rather than directly from the ground as this reduced waste and cut the risk of horses eating something that would make them ill. It also stopped a horse stealing
- [The Beggar](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-beggar/): The Beggar This painting, set in an earlier age, is typical of Glindoni’s work and interests. Before becoming a full-time artist, Glindoni worked in the theatre as a scenery painter, and supplemented his income by sketching the artists with whom he came in contact. Once a professional artist he specialised in elaborate and detailed costume
- [Casque D’or](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/casque-dor/): Casque D’or ‘Casque d’or’ means ‘golden helmet’ in French and the title is likely a reference to the sitter’s golden hair. The model in the painting is a local ballerina who had very good poise and was therefore a good sitter. Olver was a well-known painter in oils of portraits and figures subjects, and also
- [Cows](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cows/): Cows In his autobiography, Home and Abroad, Merton says that he knew the artist, but had quite a harsh opinion of him, saying that ‘Cooper’s works were pictures pure and simple, far more than works of art’. Thomas Sidney Cooper was born in Canterbury, Kent, and as a small child began to show strong artistic inclinations.
- [Feeding her pets: A peasant girl Brittany](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/feeding-her-pets-a-peasant-girl-brittany/): Feeding her pets: A peasant girl Brittany, or, The Piggies Breakfast French born Émile-Antoine Bayard was a pupil of Léon Cogniet for five years, publishing his first cartoons at the age of fifteen, often using the anagrammatic pseudonym, Abel De Miray. Between 1857 and 1864, he worked in the mediums of charcoal drawings, paintings, watercolors,
- [Tick-Tick or Tick-Tack](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/tick-tick-or-tick-tack/): Tick-Tick or Tick-Tack Merton Russell-Cotes considered Briton Rivière to be ‘the most distinguished English artist in the portrayal of animals’ and the successor to Edwin Landseer. Merton bought several of Rivière’s works but claimed that ‘perhaps the one that he appreciated most as his own work, although on a small scale... is ‘Tick Tack (sic)’?...
- [The Pipe and the Bottle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-pipe-and-the-bottle/): The Pipe and the Bottle Noted particularly for his historical genre works, Henry Gillard Glindon was born in London in 1852. He went to live with his grandfather at an early age after his mother passed away. Glindoni started his working life following in his grandfather’s footsteps, helping him to paint theatre scenery. To supplement
- [The Silent Evening Hour](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-silent-evening-hour/): The Silent Evening Hour Joseph Farquharson is mostly known for his snowy, winter landscapes, often featuring sheep. But in this atmospheric painting, he concentrates on the time of day, with the slowly dying evening light partially illuminating the view. The rather poetic title is typical of his works. It is not known for certain where
- [Summer Evening, Broad Haven Sands](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/summer-evening-broad-haven-sands/): Summer Evening, Broad Haven Sands David James (real name Joseph Donahue) was an Irish artist who became well-known for marine landscapes. Exhibiting at the Royal Academy on multiple occasions from 1886 to 1897, James gravitated towards depictions of the sea after time spent in Yorkshire. Crashing waves became a signature of his oeuvre (body of
- [The Frozen River, Flatford, Suffolk](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-frozen-river-flatford-suffolk/): The Frozen River, Flatford, Suffolk Alfred Munnings was apprenticed to a printer in Norwich at the age of 14 and attended the Norwich School of Art in his free time. When his apprenticeship ended, he became a fulltime painter. Munnings is known as having been one of England's finest painters of horses and, as an
- [Temple Bar](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/temple-bar/): Temple Bar A highly detailed and picturesque painting of Temple Bar. Sir Christopher Wren’s Temple Bar marked the historic gateway to the City of London for 200 years. Temple Bar stood in Fleet Street until a variety of factors dictated its removal. In its place, the Temple Bar Memorial, a tall pedestal surmounted by a
- [Maria Virgo](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/maria-virgo/): Maria Virgo The painting shows a medieval style portrait of a woman, Maria Virgo or the Virgin Mary, with a halo around her thinly veiled head and some lilies in her hand. The title appears in the top left corner of the image in a medieval style script. The Annunciation Lily signifies Divine Love. The
- [The Evening Drink in the Canterbury Meadows](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-evening-drink-in-the-canterbury-meadows/): The Evening Drink in the Canterbury Meadows Thomas Sidney Cooper was one of the foremost animal painters of the Victorian period. At the age of 20, he went to London, drew for a while in the British Museum, and was admitted as a student of the Royal Academy. Subsequently, he returned to Canterbury, where he
- [Approaching Thunderstorm](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/approaching-thunderstorm-flocks-driven-home/): Approaching Thunderstorm, Flocks Driven Home, Picardy, France Davis was a popular landscape and animal painter, and his subjects were mostly painted in Wales, Scotland and Northern France. He lived a few miles from Boulogne and produced many scenes of this area of France. In the 1850s and early 1860s he was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites
- [Her First Love](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/her-first-love/): Her First Love This painting is a copy of Frederick Samuel Beaumont's (1861-1954) work Little Timidity which appeared at the Royal Academy in 1885. The demand for pleasant genre scenes and images of bygone days were in great demand during the height of the Victorian era and many artists looked to fill the need. Merton
- [Nelusko](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/nelusko/): Nelusko This bronze and marble bust is one of a pair, with Selika. The characters Sélika and Nélusko from the opera L’Africaine (The African Woman) with music by German composer, Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) and a libretto by Eugène Scribe (1791-1861). The opera tells the fictitious story of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who captures
- [Selika](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/8398-2/): Selika This bronze and marble bust is one of a pair, with Nelusko. The characters Sélika and Nélusko from the opera L’Africaine (The African Woman) with music by German composer, Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) and a libretto by Eugène Scribe (1791-1861). The opera tells the fictitious story of Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer who captures
- [The First Funeral](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-first-funeral/): The First Funeral This sculpture depicts Adam and Eve carrying their son, Abel, who was killed by his brother Cain due to jealousy. The Bible makes no mention of a funeral. Later writers expanded this story that Adam and Eve were so shaken by Abel's murder that they mourned his death for a hundred years.
- [Phyllis](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/phyllis/): Phyllis A subject taken from Greek mythology, Phyllis is represented as suffering great sadness after being abandoned by her new husband Demophon. One version of the story tells how Phylllis began to pine and wither while waiting for her lover and finally died of sorrow. However, the gods wanted to save her and so turned
- [Study for 'Perseus and Andromeda'](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-for-perseus-and-andromeda/): Study for 'Perseus and Andromeda' This is the original study for the final painting by Lord Leighton in 1891, which is in the collection in the Walker Art Gallery of the National Museums Liverpool (below). It shows the mythological story of Andromeda, daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. When Cassiopeia boasts that she is
- [Venus Verticordia](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/venus-verticordia/): The title of this iconic Pre-Raphaelite painting refers to a quotation from the Roman poet Ovid, who describes one of Venus’ attributes as being able to assist Roman women to turn their hearts towards virtue and modesty. This does seem somewhat contradictory for such a heavily sensual and sexual image, but perhaps it is a
- [The Sale Room at Christies](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-sale-room-at-christies/): The Sale Room at Christies, 1905 This ink drawing by Sidney Paget shows the sale of Henry Irving’s property at Christies in December 1905. Produced for The Sphere newspaper, the scene shows items being shown to bidders. Also visible is the Archer portrait of Irving as King Charles I, which is on display at the
- [Sir Henry Irving, Study for ‘The Golden Jubilee Picture’](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-study-for-the-golden-jubilee-picture/): Sir Henry Irving, Study for ‘The Golden Jubilee Picture’
- [Skull](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/skull/): Skull This human skull, with only eight teeth left in the upper jawbone, was used by Sir Henry Irving during stage performances of Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The skull was donated to the museum in 1942, and according to the donor the skull was found at the Bull Hotel, Colchester by some workmen along with some
- [Landscape with a Cow by Water](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/landscape-with-a-cow-by-water/): Landscape with a Cow by Water This oil painting was purchased by Merton Russell-Cotes at the Christie’s auction of Irving’s possessions in 1905. It was given to Irving by the American artist and actor, Joseph Jefferson. Merton wrote about it in his autobiography, Home and Abroad: ‘On the 8th May, 1905, it being my
- [Sir Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-4/): Sir Henry Irving This black and white print of Sir Henry Irving, is shown with a coat over his right arm and holding a hat in one hand. The print has been endorsed 'To My Old Friend Merton Russell Cotes from Henry Irving'. William Nicholson was a British painter and printmaker. He studied at the
- [Sara Bernhardt (1824-1923)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sara-bernhardt-2/): Sara Bernhardt (1824-1923), 1897 This woodblock print, by William Nicholson, shows French actress Sara Bernhardt, presumably in character. Underneath the image is written 'To Sir Merton Russell Cotes with the kind wishes of Sara Bernhardt'. William Nicholson was a British painter and printmaker. He studied at the Herkomer School of Art Bushey, where he met
- [Borough Theatre and Opera House, Stratford, Poster](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/borough-theatre-and-opera-house-stratford-poster/): Borough Theatre and Opera House, Stratford, Poster, 1895 This theatre poster from the Borough Theatre Stratford is from September 1895. It advertises performances of The Bells, A Story of Waterloo and Prisoner of Zenda. Sir Henry Irving played Mathias in The Bells and Corporal Brewster in A Story of Waterloo. The Bells is a play
- [Henry Irving, All the World’s a Stage](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-all-the-worlds-a-stage/): Henry Irving, All the World’s a Stage This is a print showing a profile portrait of Henry Irving with a central emblem of a globe on the frame with the wording ‘All The World’s A Stage’. This quote is the phrase that begins a monology from William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
- [Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ellen-terry-as-lady-macbeth/): Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth, 1889 This etching of a portrait entitled ‘Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth’ by Henry William Batley, published by E. Leggatt of 62 Cheapside, London, is signed by Ellen Terry. Her portrayal of Lady Macbeth was also painted by John Singer Sargent after opening night in December 1888. The play was
- [Sir Henry Irving as Richard III](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-as-richard-iii/): Sir Henry Irving as Richard III This black and white print is of Sir Henry Irving as a Shakespearian character, possibly Richard III. John Bernard Partridge was a painter and illustrator who became the principal cartoonist of Punch magazine. He acted at the Lyceum Theatre in his youth, using the name Bernard Gould, and made
- [Rosalind](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/rosalind/): Rosalind (from ‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare) This oil painting has the inscription ‘Presented to Bert in Commemoration of his Parent’s Golden Wedding 1 February 1910’ in Merton Russell-Cotes’ handwriting. John McLure Hamilton was an Anglo-American artist. He was born in Philadelphia, but lived in England for fifty-eight years where he was an
- [Theatre Poster from Theatre Royal, Bradford](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/theatre-poster-from-theatre-royal-bradford/): Theatre Poster from Theatre Royal, Bradford, 1905 A poster from Theatre Royal and Opera House Bradford captioned ‘Farewell of Henry Irving; 9 October 1905’. It advertised the plays The Merchant of Venice, Becket, Louise XI and The Bells, all staring Henry Irving. In 1905, Henry Irving was in the second year of his prolonged farewell
- [The Bells](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-bells/): The Bells, 1874 This chromolithograph print shows a caricature of Henry Irving entitled 'The Bells' taken from Vanity Fair, 19.12.1874. Henry Irving is shown as the title character, Mathias, and the work is attributed to Carlo Pellegrini, who was a caricaturist who did much of his work under the pseudonym Ape. He served as a
- [Merchant of Venice Poster](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/merchant-of-venice-poster/): Merchant of Venice Poster, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, 1905 This framed poster advertises a production at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1905, where Sir Henry Irving played Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.
- [David Garrick Reading ‘Macbeth’](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/david-garrick-reading-macbeth/): David Garrick Reading ‘Macbeth’ David Garrick was an English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer. Famous for his portrayal of Shakespeare’s characters, he reportedly delivered Macbeth’s famous soliloquy 37 times on the London stage between 1744 and 1768. Thomas Wilkes, in A General View of the Stage (1759), described the manner of Garrick’s performance, specifically
- [Frank Tyars as Borachio](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/frank-tyars-as-borachio/): Frank Tyars (1848-1918), as Borachio (from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by William Shakespeare) Frank Tyars was an actor who performed in many plays at the Lyceum Theatre, London, many of which Henry Irving was also performing in or directing. He also performed alongside Irving during his last play; Becket in October 1905 at the Theatre
- [Ellen Terry as Portia and Sir Henry Irving as Shylock](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ellen-terry-as-portia-and-sir-henry-irving-as-shylock/): Ellen Terry as Portia and Sir Henry Irving as Shylock, from The Merchant of Venice This small metal stand with two parakeets, containing miniature portraits of Ellen Terry and Sir Henry Irving, was described as a paperweight when it was accessioned. In the miniatures, Ellen Terry is shown as Portia and Henry Irving as Shylock,
- [Sir Henry Irving as Beckett](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-as-beckett/): Sir Henry Irving as Beckett, 1890-1905 Thomas Beckett was the final role that Sir Henry Irving played before his death in 1905, having both performed and directed it many times during his career. Walter Duncan was a British painter and watercolourist, and in 1874, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Watercolour Society.
- [Hamlet. Portrait of Mr H. Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamlet-portrait-of-mr-h-irving/): Hamlet. Portrait of Mr H. Irving This black and white print by Frederick L. Barnard shows Henry Irving as Hamlet. It is captioned 'Hamlet. Portrait of Mr H. Irving, drawn by F Barnard... Two Hundred Performances.' His first performance as Hamlet in 1874 ran for more than 200 nights. This level of success was unheard
- [Caricature of Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/caricature-of-henry-irving/): Caricature of Henry Irving We don’t know much about this image or who the artist was, but it is very similar to a cartoon of Henry Irving with Harry Hart, a music hall manager, from 1884. In this other cartoon, Irving and Hart, nicknamed the ‘Happy Hebrew’, are shown commenting on how the International Health
- [Henry Irving as Shylock](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-as-shylock/): Henry Irving as Shylock Henry Irving’s 1879 production of The Merchant of Venice was as revolutionary as his Hamlet. It ran for 250 nights, and was the play that Irving presented in 1889 when he was summoned to perform for Queen Victoria. Shylock was also the final role he played at the Lyceum Theatre in
- [Hamlet](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamlet-2/): Hamlet, 1890-1910 Niccolò Bazzanti was the son of Pietro, a sculptor who had taken over the workshop of Luigi Bozzolini – the last of a family of sculptors who had worked for the Corsini nobles of Florence. Unlike his father, who trained in the Bozzolini workshop, Niccolò attended the Florence School of Fine Arts and
- [William Shakespeare](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/william-shakespeare/): William Shakespeare (1564-1616), 1850-1900 This marble bust of Shakespeare as a young man is a copy of one in the Royal Collection, attributed to eighteenth-century sculptor John Cheere. The original was acquired by King George IV to be placed in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle. With the revival of theatre following the restoration of
- [Herbert Beerbohm Tree as Hamlet](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/herbert-beerbohm-tree-as-hamlet/): Herbert Beerbohm Tree as Hamlet, 1892 This miniature painting of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree by Ethel Webling is based on a famous photograph of Tree as Hamlet taken by W. and D. Downey and published in 1892. Beerbohm Tree gave his first Hamlet in Manchester on 9 September 1891. His first London Hamlet was performed
- [Death Mask of Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/death-mask-of-henry-irving/): Death Mask of Henry Irving (1905) Sir Henry Irving was one of the most renowned actors of the Victorian stage and he was the first actor to be knighted, receiving this honour in 1895. He died on 13th October 1905 of a stroke, shortly after coming off stage from a performance of Becket at the
- [Casket and scroll](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/casket-and-scroll/): Casket and scroll This art nouveau style silver casket contains an illuminated scroll which was presented to Sir Henry Irving by his friends and admirers during his farewell visit to Wolverhampton in February 1905. During this visit, Irving performed the lead in Arthur Conan Doyle’s play, Waterloo, Mathias in The Bells, Thomas Becket in Becket
- [Snuff Box](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/snuff-box/): Snuffbox This brass snuffbox is Dutch in origin and was used as a prop by Henry Irving in various plays.
- [Cigar Case](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cigar-case/): Cigar Case This silver cigar case is engraved ‘To Sir Henry Irving from A. Melville Low, 6th Feb, 1902.’ It was purchased by Merton Russell-Cotes at the sale of Sir Henry Irving’s belongings at Christie’s, and it contains a clipping of the lot from the sale catalogue.
- [Silver Flask](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/silver-flask/): Silver Flask This silver flask, used by Sir Henry Irving and engraved with the initials ‘H.I.,’ was also bought in the sale of Irving’s belongings after his death.
- [Hamlet Costume](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamlet-costume/): Hamlet Costume This Hamlet Costume was worn by H.B. Irving, Henry Irving’s son. It includes a wool tunic with jet bead decoration, a cream cotton shirt with collar (tied at the front with a tasselled braid), a black beaded wool belt with jet bead decoration and a pair of black tights, The leather shoes with
- [Mary Anderson as Rosalind](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mary-anderson-as-rosalind/): Mary Anderson as Rosalind, 1888 This framed black and white studio portrait photograph by Herbert Rose Barraud is of the American actress Mary Anderson in costume as Rosalind in As You Like It. She was renowned for her Shakespearen performances across America and England, but in 1889, she suffered a nervous breakdown and retired from
- [Photographic Prints of Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/photographic-prints-of-henry-irving/): Photographic Prints of Henry Irving This frame contains eight portraits of actors in character, including Sir Henry Irving as Becket and Cardinal Wolsey, and Ellen Terry.
- [Sir Henry Irving as Cardinal Wolsey](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-as-cardinal-wolsey/): Sir Henry Irving as Cardinal Wolsey, 1897 A photograph of Sir Henry Irving in Cardinals Robes, playing Cardinal Wolsey in Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.
- [Mary Anderson, A Friend of Sir Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mary-anderson-a-friend-of-sir-henry-irving/): Mary Anderson, A Friend of Sir Henry Irving This black and white photograph is of Mary Anderson, the American Actress. Born in California in 1859, she made her first stage appearance as Shakespeare’s Juliet, at Macauley’s Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1875. She continued to perform in America, including New York, until 1883, when she
- [Ellen Terry](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ellen-terry/): Ellen Terry This framed and signed photograph is of Victorian actress, Ellen Terry. She came from a theatrical family and began to act at the age of nine. When she joined Sir Henry Irving in 1878 to become the leading lady at the Lyceum Theatre, she was already an established actress.
- [Violet Grey](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/violet-grey/): Violet Grey This black and white framed studio portrait photograph is of the actress and singer Violet Grey. She is dressed as the 'Principle Boy' from a production of 'Cheep' held at the Vaudeville Theatre. A newspaper cutting on the reverse of the frame gives more information including that Violet Grey was married to the
- [Sir Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-3/): Sir Henry Irving This framed black and white portrait photograph of Henry Irving is signed to Sir Merton Russell-Cotes, 8.5.1905. According to an article in Bournemouth Graphic, the photo was a birthday gift from Henry Irving to Merton Russell-Cotes and was given to Merton as a birthday gift on his last visit with Irving on
- [Ellen Terry as Iolanthe](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ellen-terry-as-iolanthe/): Ellen Terry as Iolanthe, 1880 This large decorative plate shows a head and shoulders portrait of the actress Ellen Terry by Ellen Graham Stow. Terry played the role of Iolanthe in the play ‘King Rene's Daughter’ at the Lyceum Theatre in 1880. The play was written by the Danish play-write Henrik Hertz in 1845 and
- [Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving/): Henry Irving This photograph of Sir Henry Irving, in small wooden frame, is from the Stereoscopic Photographic Company. There is an inscription written by Henry Irving on the Reverse.
- [Henry Irving and Ellen Terry](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-and-ellen-terry/): Henry Irving and Ellen Terry Framed postcards of Sir Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. Both photographs are signed. Ellen Terry dates her signature as 12 Oct 1905, which is the day before Henry Irving’s death.
- [Duelling swords](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/duelling-swords/): Duelling swords This pair of duelling swords have ‘brass regulation hilts’ and blunt blades. They were used by Sir Henry Irving and Sir Squire Bancroft in The Dead Heart, a tale about the French Revolution.
- [Fan](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/fan/): Fan A paper fan used by the actress Julia Neslon in the role of Nell Gwyn in the play ‘Sweet Nell of Old Drury’. She married her fellow actor Fred Terry (brother of Ellen Terry) and they had 2 children, who both went on to become actors.
- [Casket](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/casket/): Casket This ebony casket is inlaid with ivory panels and engraved with classical subjects. It was used by Ellen Terry when she played Portia in the Lyceum production of The Merchant of Venice. The play also starred Sir Henry Irving as Shylock and ran for 250 nights in 1879.
- [Henry Irving Letter](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-letter/): Henry Irving Letter Framed 1890 letter by Henry Irving on Lyceum Theatre headed paper responding to New Year's best wishes from a fan. Like many celebrities Irving would respond to such letters from fans and thus give the recipient his autograph.
- [Henry Irving as Mephistopheles](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-as-mephistopheles/): Henry Irving as Mephistopheles, c.1885 This sepia cabinet card photograph of a painting shows actor Sir Henry Irving as Mephistopheles in ‘Faust’. The photograph was produced by the Stereoscopic Company, London, and the original artwork was by Sir John Bernard Partridge, whose signature can be seen in the bottom left-hand corner. John Bernard Partridge (1861-1915)
- [Gordon Craig](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/gordon-craig/): Gordon Craig This sepia cabinet card studio portrait photograph is of the actor Gordon Craig in costume. It is signed 'yours sincerely Gordon Craig' across the top. On the front, the photographer is given as 'Window & Grove 63A Baker Street W'. On the reverse handwritten at the bottom is 'Clara W Bagshawe'. Edward Gordon
- [Ellen Terry as Margaret](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ellen-terry-as-margaret/): Ellen Terry as Margaret This sepia cabinet card photograph is a studio portrait of Ellen Terry as 'Margaret'. The image was taken by Window and Grove, Baker Street, London. It has been signed by Ellen Terry.
- [Meerschaum pipe and leather case](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/meerschaum-pipe-and-leather-case/): Meerschaum pipe and leather case This Meerschaum pipe was originally presented to the actor William Creswick in 1878, but later became the property of Sir Henry Irving in 1879. The bowl is carved with royal arms, and a long piece of curved amber forms the mouthpiece, with silver mounts. The inscription on the silver band
- [Silver flower basket sugar bowl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/silver-flower-basket-sugar-bowl/): Silver flower basket sugar bowl This silver sugar bowl is fluted, has a handle and is engraved: ‘Mr. and Mrs. J.L.Toole, with Sir Henry Irving’s love, 27th April, 1879.’ John Lawrence Toole was a friend of Henry Irving’s and a fellow actor-manager. The two actors met and performed together in 1857 and remained close friends
- [Bailey, Banks and Biddle Silver cup](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bailey-banks-and-biddle-silver-cup/): Bailey, Banks and Biddle Silver cup This silver cup, with two handles, dragon flies in repose, was used by Sir Henry Irving when he was playing Malvolio in the Twelfth Night in July 1884. It is inscribed: ‘Sir Henry Irving. From the ladies of his Company with much affection. January 1st, 1885.’
- [Telegram case – Lewis Waller](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/telegram-case-lewis-waller/): Telegram case – Lewis Waller A leather telegram case, mounted in silver with initials ‘L.W.’ used by Lewis Waller.
- [Silver matchbox](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/silver-matchbox/): Silver matchbox This silver match box belonged to the actor Lewis Waller. It is hallmarked and inscribed: ‘The White Man. 100th night, April 7th, 1908. To Lewis Waller from Nora Lancaster’. Nora Lancaster was born in 1882, and was an actress known for her performances in Shakespearean plays including As You Like It in 1909
- [Suit of armour](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/suit-of-armour/): Suit of armour This partial suit of armour is made of blued steel, with gilt roped borders, and it was used by Sir Henry Irving to play Charles I. It was designed by Seymour Lucas, R.A. after the Van Dyke portrait of Charles I, and made by Kennedy of Birmingham in 1891. It was sold
- [Ravenswood Programme](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ravenswood-programme/): Ravenswood Programme, 1890 This theatre programme was for a production of Ravenswood by Herman Merivale at the Lyceum Theatre on 3 November 1890. Henry Irving’s name is on the front of the programme, as the ‘Sole Lessee and Manager’ of the theatre. Irving also starred as the lead, Edgar, The Master of Ravenswood. Ellen Terry starred
- [Farewell of Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/farewell-of-henry-irving/): Farewell of Henry Irving, 1905 A framed programme from the Theatre Royal, Bradford, featuring Sir Henry Irving on the front cover, titled Farewell of Henry Irving. It is dated ‘Monday, October 9th 1905, for Six Nights’. The scheduled performances were Becket on 10 and 13 October, Louis XI on 11 October and The Bells on
- [Sir Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-2/): Sir Henry Irving This framed photograph of Sir Henry Irving features a copied signature.
- [Sword and scabbard](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sword-and-scabbard/): Sword and scabbard This sword and scabbard has a silver plated hilt and hinged blade. The blade was hinged in the centre to enable it to appear to break if correctly hit in action. Sir Henry Irving used it in Peter the Great and the Corsican Brothers.
- [Pistol](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/pistol/): Pistol This Tranter centre fire single shot pistol was used by Henry Irving in the role of Dubosc in The Lyons Mail. It was made around 1870. William Tranter was a noted English gun maker and designer who was apprenticed to the gunsmithing firm of Hollis Bros & Co. in Birmingham at the age of
- [Bag and girdle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bag-and-girdle/): Bag and girdle This brown material bag was worn by the popular stage performer Ellen Terry while playing Marguerite in Goethe’s ‘Faust’, during a Henry Irving production at the Lyceum Theatre in 1886. Another Irving production at the Lyceum Theatre, this time in December 1888, saw Ellen Terry wearing the rope girdle, or cincture, while
- [Jewelled dagger and scabbard](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/jewelled-dagger-and-scabbard/): Jewelled dagger and scabbard This dagger was used on stage by Sir Henry Irving. It has a velvet covered scabbard decorated with paste jewels.
- [Chatelaine](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chatelaine-2/): Chatelaine A silver chain, a necklace or a chatelaine, with two shell design brooches in green enamel that form a clasp. It was worn by Sara Bernhardt and given to Merton Russell-Cotes by her. Written on the case for it (not on display) is the following: 'Worn by Madame Sara Bernhardt in one of impersonations
- [Circassian dagger](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/circassian-dagger/): Circassian dagger This dagger was worn by Lord Byron and went through a succession of owners before coming into Sir Henry Irving’s possession in 1882. The first Russell-Cotes curator, Richard Quick, wrote about the dagger in a catalogue, suggesting: 'This dagger, worn by Lord Byron, was presented by him to Edmund Kean, whose wife Mrs
- [Leather Portfolio](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/leather-portfolio/): Leather Portfolio This leather portfolio with an embossed tin cover was presented to Lewis Waller by his company. On the front, it has the words ‘Henry V Lyceum Theatre 1901’, and inside there are 13 full length portrait photographs of the production's cast, including Waller, in role and in costume. According to the back, it
- [Stomacher](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/stomacher/): Stomacher Julia Neilson used this stomacher in her play Sweet Nell of Old Drury, in which she made her first appearance with her husband, Fred Terry. Later she used them as Lady Blakely in the highly successful play Scarlet Pimpernel.
- [Snuffbox](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/snuffbox/): Snuffbox This snuff box was used by Fred Terry, the younger brother of the great actress Ellen, in the play Scarlet Pimpernel in 1907.
- [Dagger and scabbard](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dagger-and-scabbard/): Dagger and scabbard This dagger with a curved blade was given to Sir Merton Russell-Cotes by Henry Irving’s leading lady, Ellen Terry. The dagger and its leather scabbard were used by Irving and Terry in several productions at the Lyceum Theatre, London.
- [Cross and Chain](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cross-and-chain/): Cross and Chain This gilt metal chain and silver cross was worn by Sir Henry Irving as Cardinal Richelieu in the play ‘Richelieu’ at the Lyceum Theatre in 1892. Written in 1839 by Edward Bulwer Lytton (1803-1873), the play is set in seventeenth century France where Cardinal Richelieu was the chief minister to King Louis
- [Bronze gilt paper knife](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bronze-gilt-paper-knife/): Bronze gilt paper knife This bronze gilt paper knife used by Sir Henry Irving is engraved with ‘To H.I. in Memoriam, 29th June 1875’.
- [Silver trowel](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/silver-trowel/): Silver trowel This silver trowel with ivory handle and red case was presented to Sir Henry Irving by Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes on 5 January 1905. It was a souvenir of his laying the first stone of the marble fountain in the grounds of the Royal Bath Hotel. The trowel is engraved with 'Presented to
- [Sir Henry Irving’s Makeup Box](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irvings-makeup-box/): Sir Henry Irving’s Makeup Box Clearly labelled as such, and in a very well used state, this is Sir Henry Irving’s make-up box from the Lyceum Theatre in London. Although well used, Irving did not rely entirely on make-up, particularly when playing several characters in the same production. Instead, he would use expression and body
- [Duelling pistols](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/duelling-pistols/): Duelling pistols This pair of duelling pistols was used by Sir Henry Irving and Sir Squire Bancroft in The Dead Heart, in 1889. The barrels are engraved ‘C.L.v.d. Fecht, Berlin,’ as they were made by C.L. von der Fecht in Berlin.
- [Iron Turn Key](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/iron-turn-key/): Iron Turn Key This key was used by Sir Henry Irving to turn on the water to the fountain in the grounds of the Royal Bath Hotel, on 3 February 1905.
- [Cufflinks](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cufflinks/): Cufflinks This pair of gold cufflinks or sleeve links were used by Sir Henry Irving.
- [Belt clasp](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/belt-clasp/): Belt clasp Sir Henry Irving used this belt clasp, set with heart shaped coloured stones, in a production of the Corsican Brothers in 1880. It features two heart shapes, set with coloured stones.
- [Silver broach](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/silver-broach/): Silver broach A silver broach depicting a flower with a semi-precious stone. The grey box that comes with it is from a jewellers in Bridport, Dorset.
- [Locket](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/locket/): Locket This gold locket contains a sepia photograph of the actress Ellen Terry.
- [Charles Kean’s Knee Buckles](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/charles-keans-knee-buckles/): Charles Kean’s Knee Buckles According to Irving Souvenir (1927) by the first Russell-Cotes Curator, Richard Quick, this is a pair of knee buckles, presented to Sir Henry Irving by Ellen Kean in memory of her husband, the actor, Charles Kean.
- [Lock of Henry Irving’s hair](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lock-of-henry-irvings-hair/): Lock of Henry Irving’s hair This is a lock of Henry Irving’s hair, in a small square labelled packet, tied with a ribbon.
- [Hamlet, William Shakespeare](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamlet-william-shakespeare/): Hamlet, William Shakespeare The book contains pencilled annotations used as a prompt book by H.B. Irving, Sir Henry Irving’s son, who was also an actor. As a child, he appeared a couple of times in his father’s productions. He studied law at Marlborough College and New College, Oxford, but ultimately decided to become an actor.
- [Belt](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/belt/): Belt This metal belt ornament, which is enamelled and inlaid with coral, was worn by Henry Irving as Othello in 1876.
- [Gilt fibulae shoulder ornaments](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/gilt-fibulae-shoulder-ornaments/): Gilt fibulae shoulder ornaments Sir John Harvey wore these gilt fibulae Roman style shoulder ornaments for the role of Oedipus of Sophecles. They were presented to Sir Henry Irving in 1912.
- [Circular snuff box](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/circular-snuff-box/): Circular snuff box This circular snuff box was used by Sir Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre in 1879. Inside the snuffbox is a label that reads 'circular vernis-Martin snuffbox mounted with silver gilt used by Henry Irving in the character of Claude Melnotte in the 1879 production The Lady of Lyons'.
- [Papier Mache snuff box](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/papier-mache-snuff-box/): Papier Mache snuff box This papier mache snuff box was used by Sir Henry Irving as Corporal Brewster, in the tale of Waterloo at the Theatre Royal Bristol and the Garrick Theatre in 1894. It was also used by the actor Arthur Bourchier in a performance of the play Dr Johnson held at Sandringham on
- [Commemorative Medals](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/commemorative-medals/): Commemorative Medals These commemorative medals were made by F.Bowcher. One side portrays Irving as Beckett, from Alfred Tennyson’s play of that name. The other side is engraved, ‘Mighty Magician, Master of the Spells That Move Grief or Pity, Love or Scorn.’ Two of the medals are silver, and two are bronze.
- [Clarkson’s Water Cosmetique Stage Make Up](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/clarksons-water-cosmetique-stage-make-up/): This theatrical make-up box contains a black paste and brush for colouring a moustache or hair. On the box, it reads: Clarkson’s Water Cosmetique For producing a brilliancy, vivacity, and the power of fascination to the eye and for colouring the hair, beard, moustache and eyebrows. A beautiful Black, Blonde, Light or Dark Brown, without
- [Chatelaine](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chatelaine/): Chatelaine This chatelaine was worn by Sir Henry Irving in the character of Robert Landry in The Dead Heart in 1877-8 and 1891. It features two coins and an1789 inscription.
- [Bedside Table](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bedside-table/): Bedside Table This small mahogany octagonal tripod table was used by Henry Irving as his bedside table, according to the label that is attached to the surface, which is decorated with a painted scene showing three figures under a tree.
- [Chair](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chair-irving/): Chair This carved oak Chair, with scroll patter stretcher, high back and damasked seat and back, was used in Henry Irving’s bedroom. Merton Russell-Cotes bought it at Christie’s on 15 December 1905.
- [The Princes Sleeping in the Tower](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-princes-sleeping-in-the-tower/): The Princes Sleeping in the Tower This sculpture is of Edward and Richard, the young sons of Edward IV. In 1483 they were held captive in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard III. The princes’ fate remains unclear. However, in 1674, workmen at the Tower of London discovered a box containing the remains
- [Lady with a Mantilla](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lady-with-a-mantilla/): Lady with a Mantilla The model wears a mantilla, a lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high comb. They are traditionally worn by Spanish women. Until the 1960s, it was also common for them to be worn in Catholic churches, and even now it is customary for women
- [Daedalus and Icarus](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/daedalus-and-icarus/): Daedalus and Icarus This statue is a maquette or preparatory model for the final bronze sculpture which is on display in Bristol Museum. It is based on the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Daedalus is shown tying artificial wings to his son, Icarus, to help them flee from the Labyrinth. Daedalus managed to escape,
- [Venus](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/venus/): Venus This is a copy of Antonio Canova's so-called 'Hope Venus', made for the politician and patron of the arts, Thomas Hope, in about 1820, and now held at the Leeds Art Gallery. The composition is also generically referred to as ‘Venus Pudica’, consisting of a female nude with her left hand on her right
- [Memories](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/memories/): Memories Memories is a war time work designed to express the sorrow of loss. The model’s eyes gaze at the Victoria Cross, a reminder of a loved one who had given his life for his country. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British honours system to members of the
- [The Fisherman](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-fisherman/): The Fisherman This fluid bronze sculpture represents the ancient method of fishing in shallow water. This technique requires knowledge of the laws of refraction since the fish's true position below the water will be displaced. The fisherman is shown as taut and alert. His hair shades his eyes to shield him from light and thus
- [Saint Francis of Assisi](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/saint-francis-of-assisi/): Saint Francis of Assisi St Francis is regarded as one of the greatest examples of how to live the Christian ideal and was canonised in 1228. Throughout his life, he developed a love of nature and is known as the patron saint of the environment and animals. Born c.1181 in Assisi, Italy, St Francis was
- [King Leopold I of the Belgians (1790-1865), when Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/king-leopold/): King Leopold I of the Belgians (1790-1865), when Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld This is a copy of the 1817 original by Peter Turnerelli (1774-1839) which is held in the Royal Collection Trust. This is one of a pair of ‘nuptial busts’ depicting Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, later King Leopold I of Belgium and his bride
- [Melusine](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/melusine/): Melusine In European folklore, Melusine was a water nymph. She fell in love with Prince Raymond and took on a human form. Before agreeing to marriage, Melusine made it a condition that she could bathe unseen once a week. Curiosity, however, got the better of Raymond, and he spied on Melusine as she took a
- [La Siréne or The Siren](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/la-sirene-or-the-siren/): La Siréne or The Siren In early Greek art, sirens were portrayed as creatures with the heads of women and the bodies of birds. In later art, sirens were shown as mermaids with seductive bodies and alluring voices. People believed that sirens would sing enticingly to passing sailors and lure them to their death on
- [Jezebel](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/jezebel/): Jezebel Byam Shaw was strongly influenced by Pre-Raphaelitism as is evidenced in this painting of the Old Testament story of Jezebel, which is treated with sensuality of colour and design. The strong design continues into the frame which depicts Jezebel’s death by being thrown to the dogs. In the Book of Kings, Jezebel is described
- [Christmas Morning 1866](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/christmas-morning-1866/): Christmas Morning 1866 Christmas Morning depicts the sinking of the British steamship SS London. Despite the painting’s title, this tragedy actually occurred in the Bay of Biscay on 11 January 1866. The ship was travelling from Gravesend, Kent, to Melbourne, Australia. She began taking in water after leaving Plymouth Harbour on 10 January. With a
- [Benedicite Domino Laudate Et Superexaltate Eum In Saecula](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/benedicite-domino-laudate-et-superexaltate-eum-in-saecula/): Benedicite Domino Laudate Et Superexaltate Eum In Saecula This collection of paintings forms an altar screen, intended to be hung above and behind the altar in a church. The images each represent a line from The Benedicite describing the creation of the world. Left to right they are: ‘O all ye green things upon the
- [Sunlight Nude](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sunlight-nude/): Sunlight Nude George Spencer Watson was a portrait painter who regularly visited Dorset. In 1921, he bought Dunshay Manor on the Isle of Purbeck to get away from his busy London life. He explored the area on horseback and local landscapes and family members featured in his work. His early works were traditional, highly finished
- [Cornish Holiday](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cornish-holiday/): Cornish Holiday This charming and vibrant painting is typical of the work of Dorothea Sharp who was strongly associated with the artists’ colony in St Ives in the 1920s. Dorothea Sharp was born in Kent and studied at Regent Street Polytechnic school in London under Sir David Murray and en plein air (painting outdoors) painter
- [Painter and Model](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/painter-and-model/): Painter and Model John Minton was a celebrated figure in 1940s Bohemian London. His main artistic theme, partly homo-erotic, was the young male figure in emotionally charged settings. In this painting, Minton alters the traditional dynamic between the dominant artist and their passive model. The young model is the centre of attention, while Minton shows
- [Lewis Waller as Monsieur Beaucaire](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lewis-waller-as-monsieur-beaucaire/): Lewis Waller as Monsieur Beaucaire This theatrical portrait represents Lewis Waller (1860-1915), a famous actor of the period. Waller usually played romantic leads in Shakespeare and popular costume dramas. He is depicted in the role and brocade costume of Monsieur Beaucaire. Rather than marry a woman he does not love, Prince Louis-Philippe d’Orleans, cousin of
- [Duck Shooting: The Punt Gunner](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/duck-shooting-the-punt-gunner/): Duck Shooting: The Punt Gunner The Punt Gunner refers to the pursuit of wild fowl in estuaries, marshes and on the sea using a very long and shallow boat, the punt, with an enormous shotgun known as a punt gun. Fowlers used the punt to move silently through the water and often deployed dogs to
- [The Thames Embankment, London](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-thames-embankment-london/): The Aumoniers were an artistic family of French Huguenot descent. James was born in London and worked as a textile designer and artist. Merton Russell-Cotes was a great patron of artists and was very proud of his connections. Here’s what he says in his autobiography about Aumonier: ‘Another comparatively unknown artist whom I knew very
- [Dod Shaw (Later Mrs Dod Procter, 1881-1972) on Patrick](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dod-shaw-later-mrs-dod-procter-1881-1972-on-patrick/): Dod Shaw (Later Mrs Dod Procter, 1881-1972) on Patrick Munnings became well-known for his exceptional depiction of horses, particularly in racing and hunting scenes. He joined the artists’ colony in Lamorna, Cornwall, in 1908 where he painted this monumental work en plein air. Dod (Doris) Proctor (née Shaw) was studying with Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes
- [The Moorish Proselytes of Archbishop Ximenes, Granada, 1500](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-moorish-proselytes-of-archbishop-ximenes-granada-1500/): The Moorish Proselytes of Archbishop Ximenes, Granada, 1500 This scene depicts the aftermath of the Christian reconquest of Granada in 1492 and the end of Muslim rule in Andalusia. Initially the Islamic residents of Granada were granted protection but by 1500 Archbishop Ximenes ordered that all Muslims had to convert to Christianity or face expulsion.
- [Aurora Triumphans](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/aurora-triumphans/): Aurora Triumphans Aurora Triumphans tells the story of Aurora, goddess of Dawn, on the right overcoming the bonds of night. Her body is white, a symbol of goodness, purity and spirituality. The angels announce the dawn of a new day, while Nix, the goddess of Night, on the left gives way to Aurora, only to
- [Midsummer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/midsummer/): Midsummer Midsummer is one of the most iconic works of the Aesthetic movement of the late 19th century and Albert Moore was one of its leading artists, creating ‘art for art’s sake’. Midsummer generates a powerful visual impact. The three female figures forming the focus of the painting are almost life size. The mood of
- [Chronos Clock](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chronos-clock/): Clock This is a two-train French drum movement clock of eight-day duration, in an ormolu case featuring Chronos, the personification of time, and a cherub on a boat. Chronos wields his scythe, which was the instrument he used to castrate and depose Uranus, his father. The manufacture of true ormolu uses the process of mercury
- [Sugar Sifter](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sugar-sifter/): Sugar sifter This urn shaped gilt sugar sifter was gifted to Annie and Merton on their Golden Wedding Anniversary, on 1 February 1920. It was gifted to the couple by Scottish artist Louis Bosworth Hurt, who features strongly in the Russell-Cotes original art collection. The lid of the sifter is decorated with a diamond shape
- [Sèvres style Plate](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sevres-style-plate/): Plate from a dessert service in the style of 18th century Sèvres Merton was not very lucky with his Sèvres purchases; he was led astray by either unscrupulous or ignorant dealers. Throughout the 19th century, demand amongst collectors for 18th century soft-paste Sèvres led to the redecoration of plain pieces (known as ‘clobbering’) and false
- [Meissen Monkey Band](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/meissen-monkey-band/): Meissen Monkey Band This comic group of figures of monkey musicians, and a larger excited conductor, in 18th century costumes, was first modelled for the famous Meissen manufactory by Johann Joachim Kändler (1706-1764). In all there were twenty-one different figures that could be purchased to make up an orchestra. Such figures were used as table
- [Welsh Tailor and His Wife](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/welsh-tailor-and-his-wife/): The ‘Welsh or Welch Taylor (or Tailor) riding a goat’ and ‘His Wife’ These amusing and intricate figures are adapted from Meissen originals, a ‘Tailor astride a goat’ and ‘His wife’, modelled in 1737-1740 by Johann Joachim Kändler (1706-1775) and Johann Friedrich Eberlein (1695-1749). According to the legend, the tailor asked his client, Count Heinrich
- [Davenport écuelle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/davenport-ecuelle/): A twin handled bowl, cover and stand known as an écuelle Referred to as an écuelle, a French term for a small low covered bowl, this form is associated with the famous Sèvres factory. In the mid-18th century, they were used for serving soups, and similar restorative foods at breakfast, through the long hours of
- [Handled Pot-Pourri Bowl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/handled-pot-pourri-bowl/): A handled basket-shaped pot-pourri bowl and pierced cover As the ‘father of English bone china’, Josiah Spode (1733-1797) holds a special place in English ceramic history. His objective was to produce a china as near as possible in appearance to early Sèvres soft paste porcelain, regarded as the loveliest of all western porcelains and the
- [Loving Cup](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/loving-cup/): Loving cup with two handles Désiré Leroy is regarded as the most distinguished artist working for the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company at the turn of the 20th century. He was apprenticed to the famous Sèvres factory at the age of 11. By the age of 22 he was hailed as the leading artist in
- [Empress Eugénie Cabinet](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/empress-eugenie-cabinet/): Empress Eugénie of France’s Display Cabinet This beautiful painted rosewood display cabinet originally belonged to Empress Eugénie of France (1826-1920), wife of Napoléon 111 (1808-1873), who fled England in 1870 following France’s defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Merton later bought the piece at auction and recalled in his autobiography Home and Abroad, that during a
- [Lady Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lady-russell-cotes/): Lady Russell-Cotes John Mossman was the eldest son of William Mossman and he was trained both by his father and under Carlo Marochetti in London. Together with his brother George Mossman they ran the successful firm of J & G Mossman which dominated Glasgow sculpture in the mid-19th century. Most of his works are to
- [Girl with Mantilla](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/girl-with-mantilla/): Girl with Mantilla We don’t know anything about this sculptor, but we do know that Sir Merton Russell-Cotes favoured artists who taught formally in academies and art schools – seeing it a benchmark of quality. Mantillas are traditional lace shawls or head coverings worn in Spain from the late 16th century by women when attending
- [New Shape French Jar](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/new-shape-french-jar/): New Shape French Jar, c.1805-1820 In the Spode shape book this vase is listed as No. 35, ‘New Shape French Jar’, in nine sizes from 4 to 14 inches. The Spode pattern books, unlike those at the Denby works, do not include the painter’s names. For collectors this anonymity is frustrating. The reason was purely
- [Oval dish from a desert service, with fruit panels, c.1820-1840](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/oval-dish-with-fruit-panels/): Oval dish from a desert service, with fruit panels, c.1820-1840 In 1811, the Derby factory was leased to the firm's salesman and clerk, Robert Bloor. Suffering from competition from the Staffordshire potteries, the quality of the wares was said to have declined. However, thanks to the artist Robert Steel the painting on this serving dish
- [A Message of Love, c.1891-1902](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-message-of-love-c-1891-1902/): A Message of Love, c.1891-1902 Founded in 1815, Doulton pottery was originally known for its practical salt-glazed stoneware products including beer bottles. Henry Doulton, the son of the founder, started the first ever sewer pipe factory and made a fortune from sanitary ware. During the 1860s he was persuaded to start experimenting with art pottery
- [Cabinet plate with central panel painted after Jean-François Millet’s (1814-1875) L'Angélus (The Angelus)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cabinet-plate-with-central-panel-painted-after-jean-francois-millets-1814-1875-langelus-the-angelus/): Cabinet plate with central panel painted after Jean-François Millet’s (1814-1875) L'Angélus (The Angelus) Carrying their company backstamp, Telford of Bournemouth commissioned this cabinet plate from Haviland, Limoges, a leading French porcelain company. This was a significant commercial investment, so Telford was clearly a prominent local retailer. It was purchased by Merton in 1902. Jean-François Millet’s L'Angélus
- [‘Three Graces’ coffee can (goblet litron) and ‘Cupid’ saucer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/three-graces-coffee-can-goblet-cupid-saucer/): ‘Three Graces’ coffee can (goblet litron) and ‘Cupid’ saucer John Whitehead, a leading authority on Sèvres, considers this to be ‘one of the finest Sèvres cups and saucers of this period that I have seen’. The PT mark on the base would normally denote Pierre-Nicolas Pithou (active 1759-1790), one of the best figure painters at
- [Davenport Cabinet Service](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/davenport-cabinet-service/): Part cabinet service, composed of fluted teacups and fluted or straight-sided coffee cups with saucers and two serving plates, 1849 During its heyday in the 1840s, Davenport had four separate factories, producing earthenware and bone china, employing more than 1500 people. Davenport operated warehouses in Liverpool, Lubeck and Hamburg. The bulk of the factory’s production
- [Princess Pauline Borghese](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/princess-pauline-borghese/): Princess Pauline Borghese Pauline Bonaparte (1780-1825) was the sister of Napolean. She married into the Italian nobility, becoming the first sovereign Duchess of Guastalla in Italy, an imperial French Princess and the Princess consort of Sulmona and Rossano. The neo-Classical Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix sculpture was commissioned by Pauline’s second husband Camillo Borghese and executed in Rome
- [Butterfly fire screen](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/butterfly-fire-screen/): Butterfly fire screen This fire screen has a small label stuck to the inside on the lower left-hand side giving the name of the taxidermist. It reads 'Preserved by H. Burton 120 Wardour Street, London W.' Henry Burton was one of the most successful of London taxidermists who operated out of premises in Soho. His
- [Lady Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lady-russell-cotes-3/): Lady Russell-Cotes Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes travelled to many countries. It had been suggested by a friend that when they were in Rome they should commission busts of themselves in marble. In his autobiography, Home and Abroad, Merton records ‘We … made the necessary arrangements with Signor Gazzeri, a sculptor of considerable fame to execute
- [Sir Merton Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-merton-russell-cotes/): Sir Merton Russell-Cotes Merton was a central figure in Bournemouth’s rapidly expanding political and social scene and was Mayor in 1894-1895. Merton successfully campaigned for a number of improvements of the town including the construction of the Undercliff Drive and Promenade and a direct railway connection from London. This statue was commissioned to mark the
- [The Dancing Faun](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-dancing-faun/): The Dancing Faun In Roman mythology fauns were originally ghosts of rustic places, lesser versions of their chief, the god Faunus. Before their conflation with Greek satyrs, they and Faunus were represented as naked men. Later fauns became copies of the satyrs of Greek mythology, who themselves were originally shown as part-horse rather than part-goat.
- [Then to her listening ear...](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/then-to-her-listening-ear-2/): 'Then to her listening ear responsive chords came familiar, sweet and low' This picture was painted in 1881, the same year, Edwin Long was elected a full member of the Royal Academy for his picture The Babylonian Marriage Market. The picture, which was hung by Merton in the Main Hall Gallery, shows a young woman
- [The Submission of Emperor Barbarossa to Pope Alexander the Third](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-submission-of-emperor-barbarossa-to-pope-alexander-the-third/): The Submission of Emperor Barbarossa to Pope Alexander the Third Frederick Barbarossa reigned as the Holy Roman Emperor from 1155 until his death in 1190. A gifted leader, he sought to restore glory to the German Kingdom. During his reign he undertook six campaigns in Italy and attempted to set up his own Pope. These
- [Jephthah's Vow: The Martyr](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-martyr/): The Martyr The final painting of the trilogy series shows Jephthah’s despair at the death of his daughter, caused by his oath to God. In the top left corner, angels are carrying the body of Jephthah’s daughter to heaven.
- [Jephthah's Vow: In the Wilderness](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/in-the-wilderness/): Jephthah's Vow: In the Wilderness This painting depicts Jephthah’s daughter (she remains nameless) contemplating the terrible part she was to play in the fulfilment of her father’s vow. In order to prepare herself for death, she spent two months in the wilderness. Edwin Long’s historical works gained great popularity. Together with contemporaries such as Frederic
- [Jephthah's Vow](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/jephthahs-vow/): Jephthah's Vow This painting is the first in a trilogy of works which depict the Old Testament story of Jephthah. The sources for the paintings are Judges XI 30-40, and were commissioned by the fine arts publisher, Fairless & Beeforth (establishers of the Doré and Lawrence Gallery). This trilogy of paintings was first exhibited in
- [Psyche at the Throne of Venus](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/psyche-at-the-throne-of-venus/): Psyche at the Throne of Venus The subject of this narrative painting is taken from the epic poem The Earthly Paradise by William Morris, adapted from a story that first appeared in The Golden Ass by Lucius Apuleius, 2nd century AD. Psyche’s beauty was such that it attracted the jealousy of Venus, goddess of love.
- [The Chosen Five](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-chosen-five/): The Chosen Five This painting shows the studio of the Greek artist, Zeuxis (c.464 BCE-c.4th century BCE) who became famous for his ability to imitate nature and especially still life with his art. The painting tells the story of Zeuxis, who in an attempt to portray the perfect beauty of Helen of Troy, invited the
- [Gentle Spring Brings Her Stuff to Market](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/gentle-spring-brings-her-stuff-to-market/): Gentle Spring Brings Her Stuff to Market Born in Sussex, Amy Sawyer studied portraiture and illustration at the Herkomer Art School, in Bushey, and then went on to show at the Royal Academy and Paris Salon between 1887 and 1909. A prolific artist with an interest in folk tales, witches and fairies, she was central
- [Sir Merton Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-merton-russell-cotes-2/): Sir Merton Russell-Cotes (1835-1921) John Henry Lorimer was a Scottish painter, known for his portraits and genre scenes. He produced almost 400 oil paintings, including 130 portraits, in his lifetime. Portraits were his mainstay, allowing him to earn a living and spend time on the Edwardian interiors, scenes of family life and light-filled landscapes that
- [Lady Russell-Cotes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lady-russell-cotes-2/): Lady Russell-Cotes (1835-1920) John Henry Lorimer was a Scottish painter, known for his portraits and genre scenes. He produced almost 400 oil paintings, including 130 portraits, in his lifetime. Portraits were his mainstay, allowing him to earn a living and spend time on the Edwardian interiors, scenes of family life and light-filled landscapes that he
- [Anno Domini](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/anno-domini/): Anno Domini (also known as Flight into Egypt) Anno Domini shows the moment shortly after the birth of Jesus, when his parents were forced to flee to Egypt to escape the Massacre of the Innocents by King Herod (Matthew 2:13-23). The painting was commissioned for the Lawrence Gallery in New Bond Street, London. When exhibited
- [The Reception](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-reception/): The Reception We do not know who the sculptor of this work is, although one possibility is Italian sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi (1836-1905). Tabacchi studied at the Accademia di Brera in Milan and was teacher of sculpture at the Accademia Albertina of Fine Arts in Turin. The sculpture which depicts a woman attending a ball, holding
- [Flood in the Highlands](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/flood-in-the-highlands/): Flood in the Highlands or A Highland Flood Landseer was one of the 19th century's most renowned painters and was reputed to have been Queen Victoria's favourite. He first exhibited his work at the Royal Academy in 1816 when only fourteen years old and went on to establish his reputation with a series of animal
- [Egyptian Woman and Child](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/egyptian-woman-and-child/): Egyptian Woman and Child Frederick Goodall was a London painter of landscapes, genre and Egyptian subjects and came from a family of artists. His talent brought him early fame, winning a silver medal at the Society of Arts at the age of 15. He exhibited work at the Royal Academy 27 times between 1838 and
- [Le Premier Né (The First Born)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/le-premier-ne-the-first-born/): Le Premier Né (The First Born) Josephus Laurentius Dyckmans was born in Leirren, Belgium. He was a professor at the Antwerp Academy from 1841 to 1854. His work was shown in Antwerp and at the Royal Academy in London, between 1846 and 1869. His painstakingly detailed pictures, often inspired by Dutch 17th century art, earned
- [A Wood Nymph](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-wood-nymph/): A Wood Nymph Originally hanging in the Morning Room, this painting was produced when the Austrian-born artist was at his peak, producing landscapes and genre paintings in the manner of the Munich School to which he contributed significantly, both as an artist and teacher at the Munich Academy. He was a founding member of the
- [Jael](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/jael/): Jael Jael (or Yael) plays an important role in the story of Israel’s wars with the Canaanites, described in the Book of Judges, the seventh book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. In the narrative about the military heroine Deborah, Deborah first sends Barak to fight the Canaanites, and when he protests
- [Empress Eugénie of France](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/empress-eugenie-of-france/): Empress Eugénie of France Franz Xaver Winterhalter was one of the most fashionable and stylish portraitists of the mid-19th century. His sensuous and softly romantic images were a great success, and he was commissioned to paint most of the crowned heads of Europe. The stylish image of flattering luxury and power made defining images of
- [A Girl's Head](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-girls-head-2/): A Girl's Head Charles Sillem Lidderdale was a British artist, known for his portraits and genre scenes. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London, where he developed an appreciation of classical painting techniques. Lidderdale gained recognition for his ability to capture the details of his subjects, particularly in his portraiture. His works often
- [The Smoker](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-smoker/): The Smoker José Benlliure y Gil was one of the most successful Spanish painters of his day. He trained at the Academy in Valencia and, after living in Madrid, he moved to Italy where he resided between Rome and Assisi from 1879 to 1912. He was director of the Spanish Academy in Rome from 1903
- [Study of a Girl's Head](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-of-a-girls-head/): Study of a Girl's Head Reginald Edward Arnold was a Surrey based painter who primarily focused on dramatic genre scenes or scenes from everyday life. Some of his other work, Le Fumeur (1881) and The Awakening: Reading Galileo (c.1881-1896) can be found on the Balcony.
- [Blossoms](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/blossoms/): Blossoms Albert Moore was a leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement and a great favourite of Merton. The Russell-Cotes owned several of his works, although the only original in the collection now is Midsummer (1887) in Gallery II. ‘My profound admiration for my late dear friend’s pictures’ Merton Russell-Cotes wrote, ‘was only exceeded by that
- [Phryne](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/phryne-3/): Phryne (who lived around 328 BC) was a Greek model and courtesan. She was put on trial accused of impiety for supposedly of cursing Demeter, the Greek goddess of fertility. At the trial she was defended by the orator Hypereides. When it seemed as if the verdict would be unfavourable, Hypereides removed Phryne's robe and bared her
- [The Garden of the Cardinal](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-garden-of-the-cardinal/): The Garden of the Cardinal Born in Leicester, John Fulleylove originally trained as an architect with local firm Shenton and Baker, before becoming an artist and illustrator who specialised in landscapes. He exhibited widely in the United Kingdom, at such venues as the Royal Academy, the Fine Art Society, and the Royal Society of British Artists.
- [Woman Playing a Lyre](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/woman-playing-a-lyre/): Woman Playing a Lyre This work, by the Italian artist Saccaggi, was probably painted during his Parisian period. Saccaggi studied art at the Royal Academy in Turin. He moved to Paris in 1900 and successfully exhibited works at the Paris Salon. Saccaggi did paint some portraits and landscapes, but he was best known for his
- [Nude Baby Boy on a Cushion](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/nude-baby-boy-on-a-cushion/): Nude Baby Boy on a Cushion Originally on display in the Royal Bath Hotel, this sculpture was bequeathed to the Museum by Phyllis Lee-Duncan, Merton and Annie’s grand-daughter. She was the last member of the Russell-Cotes family to manage the Royal Bath Hotel. Vincenzo Gajassi was an Italian sculptor and printmaker.
- [An Autumn Morning](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/autumn-morning/): An Autumn Morning This picture shows the influence of French Impressionism and depicts an idyllic vision of life at the seaside at an exclusive resort in the late 19th century. The location is likely to be Anacapri, a commune on the island of Capri, in Naples, Italy. Edward Trevor was born in Shropshire, one of
- [Griselda](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/griselda/): Griselda The Decameron, by the Italian writer Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), is a collection of one hundred stories told, over ten days, by ten young people who have fled to the countryside to escape plague-ridden Florence. Griselda appears in the tenth story of the tenth day - the final tale of the book. Griselda was put
- [The Schiava Slave](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-schiava-slave/): The Schiava Slave (original title possibly The Greek Slave) Gerolamo Oldofredi Tadini was a Milanese sculptor of figures and portraits. He exhibited in Milan, Rome and Venice in the last quarter of the 19th century. The sculpture was gifted to the museum by Merton Russell-Cotes in 1921.
- [The Love Message](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-love-message/): The Love Message The Love Message is a skilfully carved marble statue, representing a figure of a semi-nude girl with both arms raised above her head, holding a dove with a letter inscribed All’ Amor Mio. Italian sculptor Lot Torelli studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze (Academy of Fine Arts of Florence)
- [Night](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/night/): Night, or Nymph and Cupid This marble figure shows a nymph with Cupid at her feet. Above her head are several stars indicating that this is night. In mythology, by and large, nymphs were gentle and benevolent spirits who watched over mortals as well as gods. This sculpture, along with Nymph and Cupid, or Morning
- [Morning](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/morning/): Morning, or Nymph and Cupid This figure shows a nymph with Cupid at her feet. In Greek mythology, nymphs were minor female divinities associated with the natural world. They were usually classified according to where they lived for example, water, mountain and trees. They were not necessarily immortal, but they lived a very long time.
- [Le Fumeur](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/le-fumeur/): Le Fumeur This is based on the painting of the same title Le Fumeur by Ernest Meissonier. Meissonier specialised in military paintings, documenting battles and sieges. In 1859 he was employed by Napoleon III to accompany the French Imperial Army and capture the battles in action. Merton would have loved to own a painting by Meissonier
- [Fisherwomen at Scheveningen](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/fisherwomen-at-scheveningen/): Fisherwomen at Scheveningen At the same time as the Newlyn artists were creating dramatic and romantic paintings of Cornish fishing scenes, Hume was active in the Netherlands creating sympathetic beach scenes of fisher folk. Hume’s portrayals of Dutch fisher women and children along the shore are amongst her most captivating images. She used a plein
- [River with Barges and a Windmill](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/river-with-barges-and-a-windmill/): River with Barges and a Windmill The Dutch artist, Jan van der Linde, specialised in painting traditional landscapes and seascapes of his homeland. He particularly worked around the Zuiderzee – the inland sea in the northern part of Holland. The flat countryside enabled van der Linde to concentrate on the study of the sky and the light reflected
- [The Cowl Maketh Not the Monk](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-cowl-maketh-not-the-monk/): The Cowl Maketh Not the Monk The painting’s title is based on a medieval proverb warning that a person’s appearance is not an indication of their true character. This painting of Cupid thinly disguised as a monk (you can just see his cowl) is an allegorical depiction of how deceitful appearances can be. Love can
- [Landscape, Autumn Blue and Gold](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/landscape-autumn-blue-and-gold/): Landscape, Autumn Blue and Gold This is one of a number of paintings by David Murray collected by Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes. In his autobiography, Merton writes of his close friendship with the artist and how he commissioned works from Murray. It is unknown whether this painting was a commission. Murray was a popular
- [Barges on the Thames](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/barges-on-the-thames/): Barges on the Thames The image shows a view of the Thames River front that could be at Strand-on-the-Green or Chiswick looking towards Hammersmith, with Hammersmith Bridge just out of sight. Wyllie was particularly fond of painting life on the Thames. Like his better-known elder brother, William Lionel Wyllie, Charles was a well-known painter of
- [Monte Carlo and Monaco from Cap Martin](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/monte-carlo-and-monaco-from-cap-martin/): Monte Carlo and Monaco from Cap Martin In this painting, Holst captures the unspoilt beauty of the French Riviera, as it was before hotel and casino complexes began to be built. Holst was born in the fishing village of Bogense in Denmark. He studied at the Copenhagen Academy and then sailed to New York to
- [The Waterfall](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-waterfall/): The Waterfall Born in Exeter, Alfred Woolmer was a painter and sculptor of figurative scenes. He was inspired by the work of the French artist Antoine Watteau (1648-1721) who was revolutionary in his use of colour and light. These influences can be seen in Woolmer’s distinctive style: soft and detailed brushwork with a riot of
- [A Woodland Ride](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-woodland-ride/): A Woodland Ride This painting demonstrates Hulk’s skill at scenes of everyday life combining technical ability and attention to detail with a strong sensitivity to nature. Abraham Hulk Snr was born in London into a family of mainly marine artists. He initially trained as a portraitist under Jean Augustin Daiwaille (1786-1850) before continuing his artistic
- [The Awakening: Reading Galileo](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-awakening-reading-galileo/): The Awakening: Reading Galileo This painting shows a young priest reading Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, written by the astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). Galileo supported the theories of Copernicus that the earth revolved around the sun, rather than the Catholic Church view of the Earth as the centre of the solar system. Condemned
- [Cattle by the Water's Edge](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cattle-by-the-waters-edge/): Cattle by the Water's Edge William Hulk was the son of the artist Abraham Hulk Senior, whose painting is hung to the left of this work. William specialised in small scale rural scenes depicting cattle and sheep. Based in Surrey, he used the surrounding landscape for the inspiration for his work.
- [Study for Reclining Nude](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-for-reclining-nude/): Study for Reclining Nude William Etty was a prolific and often controversial figure who dominated the early Victorian art world with his often large paintings of historic and mythical scenes and, most infamously, his paintings of the nude figure. In his lifetime, his concentration on painting the nude gave rise to much-heated debate about the
- [Good News and Bad News](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/good-news-and-bad-news/): Good News and Bad News In a Portuguese post office, two young women receive respectively good news and bad news. The woman in gold clasps her hands in joy, but another woman has not been quite so fortunate. Behind them, a priest consults the casualty list, giving good or bad news to his parishioners. Although
- [A Shady Retreat](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-shady-retreat/): A Shady Retreat Thomas Creswick was born in Sheffield and studied in Birmingham under the landscape painter Joseph Vincent Barber (1788-1838). British landscapes featuring streams and woodlands, as in this picture, were his favoured subjects. John Ruskin, the 19th century art critic, described Creswick as ‘one of the very few artists who do draw from
- [Home from Work (or Evening)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/home-from-work/): Home from Work (or Evening) The painting depicts a father and son returning from a long day’s work in the fields and being greeted by an elder daughter holding a baby. Hughes was an important contributor to the Pre-Raphaelite movement in his early years. His later works, such as this one, are considered less important
- [Little one who straight has come Down the heavenly stairs…](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/heavenly-stairs/): Little One Who Straight Has Come Down the Heavenly Stairs… The painting represents the birth of a child. The mother and father wait at the bottom of the stairs following the delivery of a baby from heaven by a group of angels. This painting was probably inspired by the birth of Hughes’ first grandchild, Dorothy,
- [Piazza San Marco](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/piazza-san-marco/): Piazza San Marco Edward Pritchett specialised in paintings capturing the buildings and canals of Venice. This painting shows the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square), the principal square of Venice, a site popular with artists and tourists for centuries. On the right-hand side of the picture is the Doge’s Palace, the
- [An Autumn Morning](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/an-autumn-morning/): An Autumn Morning Aumonier is particularly known for his pastoral and landscape paintings, working in both oils and watercolour. This example shows a team of plough horses being led towards the viewer. Until the total adoption of mechanisation following the Second World War, horses predominated on farms. They were cheaper to keep than the early
- [A Breezy Day, Cornwall](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-breezy-day-cornwall/): A Breezy Day, Cornwall David James was a pseudonym for the artist, Joseph Donahue. At a young age, his creative talent was recognised by a German-born picture dealer and frame maker who supported his training and with whose family he lived for much of his life. James's work demonstrates his interest in pure studies of
- [Rising Tide - Coast of Scilly](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/rising-tide-coast-of-scilly/): Rising Tide - Coast of Scilly David James (real name Joseph Donahue) was an Irish artist who became well-known for marine landscapes. Exhibiting at the Royal Academy on multiple occasions from 1886 to 1897, James gravitated towards depictions of the sea after time spent in Yorkshire, and crashing waves became a signature of his oeuvre
- [A Grecian Girl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-grecian-girl/): A Grecian Girl Radford specialised in highly detailed interior scenes containing a central female figure, some in a classical setting as here, others in a contemporary setting. This Neo-Classical painting originally hung in the Yellow Room, Annie’s bedroom. The name of the model is unknown, but she was also used for the painting Weary (1873)
- [On the Cornish Coast](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/on-the-cornish-coast/): On the Cornish Coast Brett specialised in views of sea and sky and coastal subjects. He was known for detailed, accurate depictions of the natural world, inspired by the ‘truth to nature’ credo of the influential art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900) and the artist William Holman Hunt (1827-1910). Brett made his first visit to Cornwall
- [The Land's End, Cornwall](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-lands-end-cornwall/): The Land's End, Cornwall was painted on a yachting tour around the southwest coast. The inscription on the painting identifies the location as 'The Black Coast'. This small picture exemplifies Brett's close attention to detail. The minutely observed rocks that dominate the foreground adhere to writer, philosopher, art critic John Ruskin's principle of truth to
- [Cherubs](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cherubs/): Cherubs Throughout his career Edward Hornel was firmly rooted in the Scottish town of Kirkcudbright. Although he was born in Australia, he returned to his parents’ home town of Kirkcudbright, as a young child and set up his studio there after studying in Edinburgh and Antwerp. He became associated with the “Glasgow Boys” group, and
- [Landscape with Bridge](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/landscape-with-bridge/): Landscape with Bridge This painting is attributed to the great French landscape painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot who had a major influence on the French Impressionists. Monet said of him ‘There is only one master here – Corot. We are nothing compared to him’. The painting does have the signature of Corot, but he was known to
- [Chateau and Two Bridges](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chateau-and-two-bridges/): Chateau and Two Bridges Little is known about this artist, who worked under various names: Isobelle Ann Dods-Withers; Isobelle Ann Dods; Isabella Ann Dods and Isabella Ann Withers. She was born in North Berwick, Scotland in 1876 and died in London in 1939. Her work has appeared in exhibitions in London, Vienna, Venice, Munich and
- [Venetian Water-Carrier](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/venetian-water-carrier/): Venetian Water-Carrier This painting is an exceptional example of the artist’s work. Every detail, from the girl’s glowing skin, the lace trim of her under-dress and the heavy folds of the magenta and yellow fabric of her skirt, to the copper and earthenware water vessels she carries, and the crumbling stucco of the brick wall
- [Seascape](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/seascape-2/): Seascape Joseph Henderson initially made his living and reputation as a portrait painter, capturing the likenesses of wealthy Scottish gentlemen and ladies. Once he had established himself, he began to diversify as a painter of landscapes, seascapes and house interiors. Henderson was in part responsible for raising the profile and status of artists in Glasgow
- [Landscape](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/landscape/): Landscape Joseph Thors was born in Amsterdam but moved to London, although he travelled widely through the English countryside, finding inspiration in the woodlands of the Midlands and Home Counties. Inspired by pastoral imagery, the artist created landscapes with quiet streams and winding paths, cottages, farmers and animals. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, British
- [Harvest Time](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/harvest-time/): Harvest Time As a child, Collins studied under the artist George Morland. In 1807, he entered the Royal Academy Schools, and exhibited at the Academy for the first time in the same year. Collin’s sentimental rustic landscapes and genre scenes won him great popularity. Here three children are tying the bundles of cut grain into
- [How the Danes came up the Channel a Thousand Years Ago](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/how-the-danes-came-up-the-channel-a-thousand-years-ago/): How the Danes came up the Channel a Thousand Years Ago This painting shows a view off Peveril Ridge, Swanage, AD 877. The painting is an imaginative Victorian reconstruction based on an account in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of a naval battle between Alfred the Great and the Danish fleet of King Guthrum. The Danes were
- [Scene in Rotterdam](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/scene-in-rotterdam/): Scene in Rotterdam This view of Rotterdam is full of snapshots of everyday life: a woman hanging her washing out to dry, labourers carrying their wares and a shopkeeper selling vegetables. Looming over the urban scene of everyday life is the monumental tower of the church Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, also called the Great, or St.
- [Study for Boulter’s Lock, Sunday Afternoon](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-for-boulters-lock-sunday-afternoon/): Study for Boulter’s Lock, Sunday Afternoon In Victorian times, much like now, the promise of a warm Bank Holiday weekend was sufficient to lure people to the rivers and to the seaside en masse. This complex work by Edward Gregory depicts such a weekend at Boulter’s Lock on the River Thames, to the west of
- [A Tempting Bait](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-tempting-bait/): A Tempting Bait This ‘chocolate box’ image shows a young boy holding out an apple to entice the pony and distract it from the bridle he holds behind his back - which the viewer can see but the pony cannot. Although the location is not specific, Elsley may have been inspired by the New Forest.
- [Venetian Scene](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/venetian-scene/): Venetian Scene This view of Venice looks down the Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute on the right-hand side. In the 18th century, fashionable and wealthy British families sent their sons on the Grand Tour to see the art, history and culture of Italy. The growth of these Tours, from the 1700s and the
- [Girl Knitting](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/girl-knitting/): Girl Knitting Gérard placed his scenes in contemporary settings and his inspiration was drawn from the charms of everyday life. Girl Knitting is a good example of the artist's mature style in the romantic tradition of Dutch 19th century domestic interiors. The scene represents the untroubled contentment of youth but details such as the empty
- [The New Model](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-new-model/): The New Model In an artist’s studio in Venice, an elderly gondolier in his ragged clothes has brought his nervous daughter, in her best clothes, to pose as a model for the first time. Two experienced models dressed in the latest fashions seem to be mocking the new arrival, despite the fact that they too
- [Pereat](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/pereat/): Pereat Pereat is an example of strong women - a theme appearing throughout the Russell-Cotes. The sculpture depicts two female spectators, in classical clothes, at a gladiatorial arena. ‘Pereat’ is from the Latin phrase ‘fiat iustitia et pereat mundus’ meaning ‘let justice be done, even if the world should perish’. This was shouted by spectators
- [Judith](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/judith/): Judith Judith is described in the Bible as a rich, beautiful widow who saved her town of Bethulia from the Assyrian army. She seduced the Assyrian General, Holofernes in his tent and when he collapsed from drink, beheaded him while he slept. ‘Then she came to the pillar of the bed, which was at Holofernes’
- [Repose](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/repose/): Repose or The British Lion (and Lioness) This painting was originally owned by Pears Soap Ltd and produced as a print for their customers to purchase.The company added the painting’s second title to appeal to the patriotism of the popular market. The overtly sentimental representation of a lion and lioness is typical of the artist’s
- [Clock](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/clock/): Clock, 1700-1850 European mechanical clocks were introduced to Japan during a brief period of Jesuit influence (c.1550-c.1630) and formed the basis of early Japanese lantern clocks like this. Early period clocks were owned only by Samurai and were treated more as objects of amusement or novelty. The Japanese temporal time system, which suited the predominantly
- [Sita](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sita/): Sita, 1880-1920 Sita is the consort of the Hindu god Rama. Her abduction by the demon king, Ravana and subsequent rescue are the central incidents in the great Hindu epic poem, The Ramayana. Sita is the embodiment of wifely and feminine virtues for all Hindu women. She is recognised for her dedication, self-sacrifice, bravery and
- [Amida Butsu](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/amida-butsu/): Amida Butsu, 19th century Sculpture depicting Amida Butsu or Amitābha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and the principal Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism. Devotion to Amitābha became a major feature of Japanese Buddhism. In the Longer Sukhāvatīvyūha Sūtra, the Buddha begins by describing to his attendant Ānanda a past life of the Buddha Amitābha. He
- [Japanese Jar](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/japanese-jar/): Jar, c.1868-1900 Made for the export market, this Japanese jar is decorated with a Samurai warrior and a courtesan on reserved panels in overglaze polychrome enamels and lacquer. The jar is from Arita, Saga Prefecture and is in the Ko-Imari style. Arita was one of the first sites in Japan to produce porcelain, following the
- [Chinese Jar](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/chinese-jar/): Jar, early 20th century A famille jaune (Chinese porcelain with the dominant colour of yellow) depicting a figure riding a qilin. The legendary animal is depicted with horns, green and blue scaly skin, the hooves of a deer, the head of a dragon and a bear's tail. The qilin symbolises prosperity and longevity and is
- [Collection of Taiaha](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/collection-of-taiaha/): Collection of Taiaha, The taiaha is one of the most iconic of all the Māori weapons and it originated when Tūmatauenga, the atua (god) of war was locked in a stalemate during the heat of a battle. He came across his relation Rūrūtangiākau who then gifted Tūmatauenga his son, Akerautangi, as a weapon. He had
- [Temple bell](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/temple-bell/): Temple bell, 1850-1950 A large Japanese bell made of cast copper alloy, without clapper or with suspension chain. The bell is exquisitely decorated with a cast of two winged figures on the top.
- [Incense burner or censer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/incense-burner/): Incense burner or censer, c. 1750-1800 Mounted on a tripod stand, this Chinese enamelled incense burner has an openwork sphere of bats in clouds. Rainbow-coloured clouds symbolise the blessing of rain. The Chinese words for 'bat', fu, and 'cloud', yun, sound the same as words for 'good fortune' and for 'come round': so, this object
- [Tsuri-daiko](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/tsuri-daiko/): Tsuri-daiko, 1850-1885 Bought from Japan by Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes, this tsuri-daiko (large, suspended drum) is elaborately decorated with dragons on both heads. The tsuri-daiko is usually played in gagaku, a type of Japanese music played at the Imperial court. The drummer uses two leather-covered sticks on one side.
- [Panefer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/panefer/): Panefer, c.1260BC-1240BC (possibly a reproduction for export and trade) Bequeathed to the museum in 1951, the Egyptian statue is of ‘Panefer’ who lived in the reign of Rameses II. ‘Panefer’ is seated and appears to be holding a Sphinx, although there is a large amount of surface damage rendering the detail unclear. The stone, syenite
- [Wakahuia](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/wakahuia/): Wakahuia, 19th century Māori wakahuia (treasure boxes) are designed to hold treasured personal adornments, such as hei-tiki (pendants), heru (hair combs) and bird feathers worn in the hair. Made from wood they were usually elaborately carved and designed to be suspended from the ceiling of a whare (house or dwelling) to safeguard its contents and
- [Christ Pantocrator](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/christ-pantocrator/): Christ Pantocrator, late 19th century An elaborately gilded and enamelled Russian Orthodox Church icon of Christ Pantocrator. Pantocrator or Pantokrator, literally ruler of all, but usually translated as ‘Almighty’ or ‘All-powerful’, is derived from one of many names of God in Judaism. Christ is seen here holding the New Testament in his left hand and
- [Waka](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/waka/): Waka, 19th century New Zealand’s abundance of wide-girthed trees such as tōtara meant that Māori could build much more diverse waka (canoes) than in their Polynesian homeland. They developed a variety of vessels for coastal and inland waterways. Each waka had its special function, from the grand carved waka taua, which were up to 30
- [Vases](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/vases/): Vases, 19th century A pair of yellow Chinese vases decorated with dragons and flowers. The fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon represents good luck and power. Historically, the Chinese dragon was associated with the Emperor of China. Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water and weather and are believed to be the rulers
- [Buddha](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/buddha-2/): Buddha, c.1880-1900 A reclining Buddha is a major iconographic theme in Buddhist art, like this example from Burma. It represents Buddha during his last illness when he was aged 80, about to enter the parinirvana (nirvana-after-death). Reclining Buddha sculptures are not supposed to induce sadness in followers but rather should be taken as an object
- [Damaru](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/damaru/): Damaru, c.19th century A damaru (drum) made from the skulls of two Buddhist lamas (priests) from Tibet. Drums made of human skulls or painted with skulls and severed heads are considered by Tibetan Buddhists to be powerful tools for protection against evil. The drum is played by twisting it back and forth with one hand
- [Trumpet-mouthed Vases](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/trumpet-mouthed-vases/): Trumpet-mouthed Vases, 1860-1865 Made in Nagoya, Japan, these two cloisonné enamelled vases used to be on display in the Japanese Drawing Room at the Royal Bath Hotel in 1887, as seen in the photograph in Merton’s autobiography Home and Abroad. Each vase features a taka (hawk) which are revered in Japanese culture as a symbol
- [Hue](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hue/): Hue, 1870-1885 Hollowed out Māori hues (gourd container) like this one were used as water vessels and food containers. The seeds of hue were brought from the Pacific Islands by tūpuna (ancestors) of Māori. When small, their spongy flesh was eaten. Larger ones were left to mature and were hollowed out, dried in the sun
- [Mangle board](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mangle-board/): Mangle board, c.1797 Mangle boards or mangletrær are used to force the creases out of linen cloth, much like an iron does today. Mangle boards were paired with a roller, around which the slightly damp linen would be tightly wrapped. The mangle board would then be passed backwards and forwards over the roller with as
- [Paddle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/paddle/): Paddle, 1812-1842 Though widely called paddles, this paddle from the Austral Islands (Tuha'a Pae) in French Polynesia, is not a functional paddle and was likely to have been used in dances or ceremonies. It is paddle shaped, but too spindly and weak to be used functionally. It is likely this paddle was made for tourists
- [Pair of Tsuru and Minogame Candlesticks](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/tsuru-and-minogame/): Pair of Tsuru and Minogame Candlesticks, 19th century Collected in 1885 by Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes during their trip to Japan, this pair of candlesticks are from the Edo-Meiji Period. The Tsuru (crane) has always been a symbol of success and good fortune in Japanese culture, and when folded in origami, it is believed that
- [Hanuman](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hanuman/): Hanuman, 19th century An Indian carved relief sculpture of the Hindu deity Hanuman. He is a Hindu god and a divine vanara (monkey or ape) companion of the god Rama. He is holding a gada (mace) in his raised right hand and the object he is holding in his left hand may represent the scene
- [Double Headrest](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/double-headrest/): Double Headrest, 19th century A South African headrest made for two people, which is likely to have been made either by the Zulu or Nguni people. Headrests were designed to preserve elaborate hairstyles, which often signified an individual's identity. They maintained a person's head in line with their shoulders while sleeping or resting. Yet a
- [Parvati](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/parvati/): Parvati, 1880-1930 Parvati is the gentle and nurturing aspect of Hindu goddess Shakti. She is the Hindu goddess of love, fertility and devotion. Parvati is the wife of the Hindu god Shiva and the mother to Ganesha and Skanda. Parvati is generally portrayed as a gentle, nurturing mother goddess, but is also associated with several
- [Kali](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/kali/): Kali, 1800-1900 This sculpture of Hindu goddess, Kali was made in India. Kali is associated with time, change, creation, power, destruction and death. The goddess has two depictions: the popular four-armed form and the ten-armed Mahakali avatar. In both, she is described as being black in colour, though she is often seen as blue in
- [Headrests](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/headrests/): Headrests, 19th century From top to bottom, the first headrest is made by the Tsonga people; the second is likely made by the Ngoni people and the third headrest is made by the Shona people. Headrests have been recorded in art traditions across Africa. The oldest preserved headrests on the African continent were found in
- [Indian dhal](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/indian-dhal/): Indian dhal, late 19th century Indian dhals (shields) are typically round but can vary in diameter from 8 inches to 24 inches. This dhal is likely to have belonged to a child. The four bosses on the front support and secure the grip on the back. Some shields are strongly convex or curved for extra
- [Roof ridge tile](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/roof-ridge-tile/): Roof ridge tile, 1800-1900 In Asia, the roof, by virtue of its position on a building, is deemed a point of communication between heaven and earth. It is a bridge to the world of spirits and a platform for them to descend to earth. Chinese builders sought to harness auspicious spiritual forces and repel evil
- [Hamsa bird](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/hamsa-bird/): Hamsa bird, 1800-1900 Bequeathed to the museum, this hamsa bird (also known as hintha) is from Burma. The hamsa is associated with the swan or goose. The hamsa is deemed sacred in Buddhism, as a symbol of wisdom and is associated with images of the Shakyamuni Buddha. In Hinduism, hamsa are the vahana (mount) of
- [Gano (axe)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/gano-axe/): Gano (axe), 19th century Made by the Shona people, this Zimbabwean ceremonial gano (axe) showcases its maker’s skill in using different materials. Although the gano was once used for defence and hunting, this one is too fine for battle and was probably held as a status or ancestral symbol during rituals or dancing. Rising independence
- [Kjenge](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/kjenge/): Kjenge, 1800-1900 The Norwegian kjenge is predominantly used for drinking ale at special occasions since Medieval times and is often carved from a kåte (a knot or protuberance on a tree). The horse shapes that makes up the two handles of this kjenge are fertility symbols and the painting technique is known as rosemåling, a
- [Collection of Boomerangs from Australia](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/collection-of-boomerangs-from-australia/): Collection of Boomerangs from Australia, late 19th century The boomerang is one of Australia's most unique and distinctive emblems. This collection comes from the family’s trip to Australia in 1885 and through later donations to the museum. The boomerangs are displayed, similarly to how they were displayed in Annie and Merton’s bedroom at the Royal
- [Buddha](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/buddha/): Buddha, 1800-1850 Carved from a single piece of wood, this statue of Buddha is from Burma. The Buddha is seated in the bhumisparsha padmasana mudra (earth-touching or witness gesture seated in the lotus position) on a low pedestal. Dressed in monastic robes, his hair is decorated with a narrow band which rises to an unisha
- [Lyrebirds](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lyrebirds/): Lyrebirds, late 19th century Native to Australia, lyrebirds are named because their outer tail feathers are broad and curved in a S shape that together resemble the shape of the stringed musical instrument, a lyre. These lyrebirds were bought by Lady Russell-Cotes when she was in Australia in 1885. The background of the case was
- [Kiwi Birds](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/kiwi-birds/): Kiwi birds, late 19th century Originally displayed in the Main Hall, this cased taxidermy mount from New Zealand depicts a diorama of two adult and one juvenile kiwi birds and an egg. The exact origins of the popularity of taxidermy are not known, but historians have traced the beginning of the art form to an
- [The Crater of Kilauea, Island of Hawaii](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-crater-of-kilauea-island-of-hawaii/): The Crater of Kilauea, Island of Hawaii On the evening of 21 July 1885, Merton and Annie set out with two local guides to explore the Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Merton wrote in his autobiography Home and Abroad: An Autobiography of an Octogenarian: ‘We were speechless with awe and wonder at its indescribable terrible sublimity, for
- [Te Aho Te Rangi Wharepu](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/te-aho-te-rangi-wharepu/): Te Aho Te Rangi Wharepu (1811-1910) Te Aho Te Rangi Wharepu was a warrior of the Ngati Mahuta who posed regularly for Goldie from 1902 onwards. This powerful portrait shows him aged 97 and manages to convey a sense of dignity and melancholic wisdom. Like Harata Rewiri Tarapata, he is adorned with symbols of his
- [A Māori Chieftainess](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-maori-chieftainess/): A Māori Chieftainess (Harata Rewiri Tarapata, 1831-1913) Goldie called his portraits of Māori sitters 'Ethnographs’, and he concentrated on high status individuals, like this painting of Harata Rewiri Tarapata of the Ngāpuhi people. She was the descendant of two noted chiefs, both early signatories of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. She is shown wearing various
- [Suspicion: A Māori Chief](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/suspicion-a-maori-chief/): Suspicion: A Māori Chief New Zealander Charles Goldie, along with Gottfried Lindauer (1839-1929), helped define how the Māori people of New Zealand were seen by the outside world. After showing artistic talent at school and training under Louis John Steele (1842-1918) he went to the Académie Julian in Paris and visited art collections across Europe
- [Red Room Swallows](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/red-room-swallows/): The Japanese inspired stained glass windows were designed by John Thomas. The stained glass designs mirror the passage of sun through the day, as seen through the different position of the sun in each window. In Japan, the swallow represents good fortune, fidelity, fertility, devotion to family and motherly love.
- [Sappho (Hope)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sappho-hope/): Sappho (Hope) Sappho was originally exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1850, however it did not appear in the catalogue. It was described by William Michael Rossetti in The Critic of Books, Engravings, Music and Decorative Art, 1850 as follows ‘… a small statue of Sappho (no.1297), of exquisite though peculiar character…Sappho sits in abject
- [Mattei Amazon](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mattei-amazon/): Mattei Amazon Pliny the Elder (AD 23/24-AD 79) records five bronze statues of Amazons in the Artemision (Temple of Artemis) in Ephesus (present day Republic of Türkiye) which by 401 AD had been ruined or destroyed. He explains that they were the result of a competition in the 5th century BC between the artists Polyclitus,
- [Girl Peeling Potatoes](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/girl-peeling-potatoes/): Girl Peeling Potatoes Set in a humble interior, this young girl, perhaps a maid, contemplates an ornate birdcage containing a vibrant yellow canary as she works. The caged bird is symbolic of withheld or virtuous love; the girl’s thoughtful look may suggest she is considering her sacrifice of passion in order to remain virtuous and
- [Jolly Strollers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/jolly-strollers/): Jolly Strollers This painting, which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1888, was painted whilst the artist was living in St Ives, Cornwall, near Newlyn. The Newlyn School was an art colony of artists based in or near Newlyn, a fishing village adjacent to Penzance, on the south coast of Cornwall, from the 1880s until the early 20th
- [Henry Irving as Charles I](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/henry-irving-as-charles-i/): Henry Irving (1838-1905) as Charles I Henry Irving (1838-1905) was a great Victorian actor-manager, based at the Lyceum Theatre in London, and a personal friend of Merton. He was the first actor to receive a knighthood. Among many roles, in 1872 he appeared as Charles I in the play of the same name by W.
- [A Moorish Girl with Parakeet](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-moorish-girl-with-parakeet/): A Moorish Girl with Parakeet Henrietta Browne was a pseudonym adopted by Sophie de Bouteiller in 1853. Sophie came from a privileged background as her father was a Count. Sophie’s mother was widowed at a young age and insisted Sophie pursued an arts education in case she needed to be economically independent. In 1851, she attended Charles
- [The Sailor Boy's Return from a Prosperous Voyage](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-sailor-boys-return-from-a-prosperous-voyage/): The Sailor Boy's Return from a Prosperous Voyage Bigg studied at the Royal Academy Schools from 1778. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1780-1827, showing mainly rustic subjects centred around village life. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1814. Bigg's greatest delight was in painting children and he produced many small portraits. Several
- [Subsiding the Nile](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/subsiding-the-nile/): Subsiding the Nile The scene in this painting is bathed in sunlight and focuses on the landscape following the subsiding of the waters of the Nile. It shows the Giza Plateau from the south east with the Great Pyramid of Khufu on the right and the Pyramid of Khafra on the left behind the palm
- [The Bathers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-bathers-2/): The Bathers This sculpture is a charming portrayal of a young mother with her baby clinging to her as she is about to step into the sea. There is much detail in the central figure, including the swept-up hair, and the delicately picked out bathing costume. Former curator Norman Silvestor wrote: ‘It would have been
- [Three Score Years and Ten](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/three-score-years-and-ten/): Three Score Years and Ten The title of this painting refers to a verse from the Bible from Psalms 90:10 ‘The days of our years are threescore years and ten’. The verse reflects on life’s brevity, which can also be seen through the depiction of the older woman who is being helped along by someone
- [Voltaire](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/voltaire/): Voltaire François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), known as Voltaire, is one of the greatest figures of French literature. He was expected to pursue a legal career but was more interested in writing and quickly made a name for himself in intellectual circles. He was chiefly known as a satirist and, as a critic of the Church and
- [The Finishing Touch](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-finishing-touch/): The Finishing Touch Bromley, who predominantly painted sentimental scenes of young children and animals, appears to have painted a self-portrait. The artist in the painting shows intense concentration. His brushes are scattered on the ground and his drink of choice is conveniently to hand. The painting was bequeathed to the museum in 1995.
- [River of Lava Issuing From Mauna Loa, Hawaii](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/river-of-lava-issuing-from-mauna-loa-hawaii/): River of Lava Issuing from Mauna Loa and Flowing a Distance of About Thirty Miles to Hilo Across the Island of Hawaii This painting dates to Charles Furneaux's first visit to the Islands of Hawai'i, which he visited to study the lava flows of Mauna Loa with William Brigham in 1880. Erupting for at least
- [Ethel](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ethel/): Ethel Ethel Warwick (1882-1951) was a stage and later film actress. She first studied art at the London Polytechnic and worked as an artist’s model to pay her tuition. She became a favoured model for Godward. Despite training to become an artist, Warwick began to take acting lessons and appeared on stage in 1900. In
- [Study of a Highland Cow](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-of-a-highland-cow/): Study of a Highland Cow This delightful image of a highland cow is likely to have been a study for one of Hurt’s larger works. Hurt lived in Derbyshire with his wife, Harriet, where the couple kept their own highland cattle. Hurt is renowned for his paintings of these cattle and studies he made of
- [Reflections at the Spring](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/reflections-at-the-spring/): Reflections at the Spring Originally this painting hung downstairs in the Morning Room. It shows a young girl pausing from a walk, in a brook, lost in her thoughts. The flaxen colour of her hair is complemented by the brilliant blue of her dress, making the subject distinct from the landscape. Although the model is
- [Love Locked Out](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/love-locked-out/): Love Locked Out (copy of Anna Lea Merritt) This picture shows young Cupid, the god of desire, pressed against the door of a tomb. It was painted as a memorial to the artist’s husband, who died just two months after they married. The thorny rose around the door frame represents the pain and persistence of
- [Vegetable Patch with a Duck](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/vegetable-patch-with-a-duck/): Vegetable Patch with a Duck Originally hung in the Dining Room, this painting depicts a duck walking through a vegetable patch with melons. Little more is known about the artwork, however it may be attributed to Italian painter Francesco Vinea who was best known for his period costume genre subjects. The artwork was bequeathed to the museum by
- [Coastal Scene](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/coastal-scene/): Coastal Scene This view of a 'Coastal Scene' is typical of Dommersen’s technique of applying a bright luminous pallet to his subjects. In this sunny view, beneath a clear blue sky, a beached fishing boat and figures can be seen in the left foreground. Beyond them, on a promontory along the coast, is a wooden
- [Kenilworth, Warwickshire](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/kenilworth-warwickshire/): Kenilworth, Warwickshire This striking painting of a sunset with the sun dipping down behind sandstone rocks is set close to the market town of Kenilworth. Laurence Hart was born in Harborne, Birmingham. He was both a poet and an artist. He painted mainly watercolours of landscapes and rural scenes in the Impressionist style. He studied
- [The Orchard](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-orchard/): The Orchard This painting by Aumonier shows the idealised view of the country which was so very popular with Victorian art lovers. Aumonier was born in Camberwell in London and sent out to work at the age of 14, initially as a textile designer. He self-funded his way through evening art classes and became a
- [Study for Helios](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/study-for-helios/): Study for Helios Lucy Kemp-Welch is one of Britain’s best-known equine artists. Born in Bournemouth, she received informal lessons from local artist Arthur Davis (1847-1895) and formal training from Sir Hubert von Herkomer (1849–1914) at his school in Bushey, which she later took over. Over a long and successful career spanning the first half of
- [Always Welcome](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/always-welcome/): Always Welcome Laura Alma-Tadema concentrated on domestic and genre scenes of women and children in 17th century Dutch settings. Always Welcome is of a 17th century Dutch interior where a young girl is visiting her bedridden mother. Light, colour and beautiful texture are at the heart of this work. The simplicity of the bond is
- [Amazon Taming a Horse](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/amazon-taming-a-horse/): Amazon Taming a Horse Parian ware was a type of unglazed porcelain with a smooth, slightly glossy surface ideal for replicating famous sculptures. Its tradename recalled the fine white marble quarried on the Greek island of Paros. Cast in moulds, figures could be mass-produced reducing costs and making them affordable for the middle-class buyer. Found
- [Table Lamp](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/table-lamp/): Table Lamp This gold painted spelter three-branch electrical table lamp, in the form of a cherub standing in front of a thistle was Annie’s favourite lamp according to her granddaughter, Mrs Phyllis Lee-Duncan. Phyllis, the daughter of Ella, the Russell-Cotes’ eldest daughter remembered the lamp being in the Boudoir when she used to visit her
- [Il Moro di Venezia (Othello)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/il-moro-di-venezia-othello/): Il Moro di Venezia (Othello) This ground-breaking work is one of the earliest sculptural examples of combining marble and bronze. It was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1881. The model was Ira Aldridge (1807-1867), one of the 19th century’s most celebrated Shakespearean actors. Born in New York, Aldridge went to the African Free School
- [Dining Room Coving Mural](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dining-room-coving-mural/): Dining Room Coving Mural The 35 peacocks and pomegranates that decorate the coving were painted by John Thomas. This was a favoured design, also seen in the Royal Bath Hotel where a whole room was decorated from floor to ceiling with peacocks painted by Thomas and his nephew Oliver. Merton seems to have had a
- [Dining Room Wallpaper](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dining-room-wallpaper/): Dining Room Wallpaper The decoration of the wall is divided into three parts, the wood panelled dado at the base, the painted frieze at the top and the wallpaper in between, known as ‘the filling’. This decoration style is typical of suburban and middle-class homes decorated in the Aesthetic Movement style (1860- 1900). This original
- [Patron Saints](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/patron-saints/): Patron Saints The panels are similar to the larger stained-glass figures originally displayed in the entrance hall of the Royal Bath Hotel, which were commissioned from the Gateshead Stained Glass Company, a firm founded by James George Sowerby (1850-1914) and Thomas Ralph Spence (1848-1918). The stained glass represents the patron saints of the four kingdoms
- [Bournemouth Coat of Arms Window](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bournemouth-coat-of-arms-window/): Bournemouth Coat of Arms Window It is of no surprise that Merton chose a stained-glass window design of the Bournemouth coat of arms in his home. Merton became active in local politics, partly motivated to make the small and select resort of Bournemouth a year-round attraction to benefit his hotel. He was elected to the
- [Wine Cooler](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/wine-cooler/): Wine Cooler The inscription on the wine cooler reads ‘This wine cooler was used by the Emperor Napoleon at Longwood on the Island of St Helena, 1815-1821’. Made out of bronze and rich wood after the style of Greek Bacchanalian vases, it was made by the renowned furniture designer George Bullock at tax payers’ expense
- [Swan Vase](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/swan-vase/): Swan Vase Walter Crane was a talented drawer and engraver from childhood. By the age of 17 his work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, and by 18 he was sketching and making block illustrations for books. He is best known for his illustrations of children’s books, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in
- [Light blue parakeet and flower vase](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/light-blue-parakeet-and-flower-vase/): Light blue parakeet and flower vase Originally displayed in Merton’s bedroom, this vase is decorated with parakeets and a flower design by Fred Passenger. Fred Passenger, along with his brother Charles, was one of William De Morgan's best and longest serving decorators, between them working for 60 years for the firm. When the company closed,
- [Dragon stoneware vase](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dragon-stoneware-vase/): Dragon stoneware vase The four Martin brothers, (Wallace, Walter, Charles and Edwin) produced a distinctive type of stoneware pottery from the 1870s through to 1914, when their pottery closed, with a little work being produced through to 1923, when the last brother, Wallace died. The firm’s most popular pieces were their eccentric, grotesquely modelled ‘Wally
- [Vase with fish shaped neck and handle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/vase-with-fish-shaped-neck-and-handle/): Vase with fish shaped neck and handle Edmund Harry Elton, 8th Baronet (1846-1920) established the Elton Sunflower Pottery at the family estate in Clevedon, Somerset when he was a young man. He was largely self-taught but over the years he produced many original designs in a variety of styles, colour and decoration. He developed his
- [Collection of Indian dhals](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/collection-of-indian-dhals/): Collection of Indian dhals Indian leather dhals (shields) are typically round but can vary in diameter from 8 inches to 24 inches. The larger sizes were practical for battle. Some shields are strongly convex or curved for extra reinforcement and to help deflect any lance head or arrow. Dhals were generally made from hide, utilising
- [Octagonal Table](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/octagonal-table/): Octagonal Table When Napoleon was exiled in 1815 to St Helena, a small island located west of the coast of south-western Africa, after defeat at the Battle of Waterloo and his final surrender, both his residence and the furniture were provided by the British Government. Much of the furniture in Longwood House was designed by
- [Candelabra](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/candelabra/): Candelabra This silver candelabra rests on Annie and Merton’s dining table. It was presented to Merton by the Lord Mayor of London and the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex for entertaining them during their civic visit to open the new Pier in August 1880. It is engraved with 'Je Défendes Le Cote Faible' motto, which
- [Japanese tsuitate](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/japanese-tsuitate/): Japanese tsuitate A tsuitate is a decorative single-panel portable partition used in Japan since at least the 6th century often to screen entrances, and block wind and sun. They are often made of wood, paper or silk and richly illustrated and decorated. This tsuitate is decorated with a family crest of four lozenges within a
- [Coal Scuttle](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/coal-scuttle/): Coal Scuttle This scuttle was purchased from the house furnishers Hampton and Sons catalogue. The scuttle was advertised as a ‘copper and brass coal vase’. Hampton & Sons was established in 1830 by William Hampton, trading in Cranbourne Street, London, selling general household items and furniture, and expanded to a large general furnishing and department
- [Girl Playing Knucklebones](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/girl-playing-knucklebones/): Girl Playing Knucklebones This sculpture is a reduced copy of an antique Roman marble (now in the Altes Museum, Berlin) of a young girl playing knucklebones. The Berlin sculpture is itself a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original which was discovered in Rome in 1732. She is shown wearing a chiton, a classical period tunic
- [Centaur and Nymph](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/centaur-nymph/): Centaur and Nymph This sculpture is also known by the title ‘Kronos and Philyra’. It was made by the Austrian artist, Josef Müllner in the Art Nouveau style. This artistic period ran loosely from 1895 to 1910 and was known as Jugendstil, meaning Youth Style, in German. The sculpture comprises a centaur holding a struggling
- [Sarpedon](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sarpedon/): Sarpedon In Greek mythology, Sarpedon was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Laodamia, the daughter of Bellerophon. He was a Lycian prince and a hero in the Trojan War. As recounted in Homer’s Iliad, Book XVI, Sarpedon fought with distinction on the side of the Trojans but was slain by the Greek warrior Patroclus. A struggle
- [Diana](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/diana/): Diana Diana, goddess of the moon and the hunt, can be identified here by the crescent moon in her hair and by the bow in her hand. Alexandre Falguière's Diana was exhibited in plaster at the Paris Salon of 1882 to widespread acclaim and became his most celebrated work. As a result, Diana was editioned extensively in reduced versions. Falguière
- [Summer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/summer/): Summer A bronze bust depicting a woman wearing a wreath and a top with a draped neckline. Dated to 1866-1897. This item is specifically listed in the Deed of Gift between the Russell-Cotes' and the Borough of Bournemouth. French sculptor, Détrier studied with Raymond Gayrard and exhibited at the Paris Salon.
- [Dying Gaul](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dying-gaul/): Dying Gaul The Dying Gaul is a copy of the Roman marble statue now held in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. Likewise, this statue in Rome is a copy of a lost Hellenistic sculpture that is thought to have been executed in bronze. The Hellenistic original is estimated to have commissioned between 230 BC and
- [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/napoleon/): Napoleon Merton Russell-Cotes cultivated people of high standing assiduously in real life as well as collecting them in the form of art works. He had a particular interest in objects related to Napoleon. The artist of the bust is unknown however it could be by, or after, a similar bust made by the sculptor François
- [Luther's Hymn: 'Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott'](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/luthers-hymn/): Luther's Hymn: 'Ein Feste Burg ist unser Gott' Born in Wrocław, Poland, the son of a merchant, Walther or Walter Firle worked briefly in his father’s company, before enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in 1879. In 1882, he was required to abandon his studies for financial reasons and he then travelled
- [A Welsh River](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-welsh-river/): A Welsh River Benjamin Williams Leader was an artist whose work defined and epitomised a distinctive Victorian approach to landscape painting. Leader's father was a keen amateur artist and friend of John Constable, and Benjamin would often accompany him on sketching trips along the banks of the River Severn. In 1857, Benjamin changed his name
- [Seascape](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/seascape/): Seascape Henry Moore, was an English marine and landscape painter and Royal Academician. He was taught drawing and painting by his father, William Moore, along with his brothers Albert Joseph (painter of Midsummer) and John Collingham. Almost all of Henry’s early pictures were landscapes, painted in many parts of England and in Switzerland. However, from 1870
- [The Billet Doux](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-billet-doux/): The Billet Doux William Oliver was a painter of charming genre scenes, including titles such as A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever and The Billet Doux, and was one of the more popular Victorian artists of his time. Born in Suffolk, Oliver was particularly fond of the Pyrenean area of France and Spain
- [The Fruit Seller](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-fruit-seller/): The Fruit Seller This painting may correspond to the work by Italian artist Signorini praised by the critics at the Paris Salon of 1900. It captures, with astonishing photorealist technique, a Moorish woman with her hand in mid gesture and facial expression apparently in speech. Signorini’s colours are typically luminous and bright and are set
- [Ramsgate Sands](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ramsgate-sands-2/): Ramsgate Sands or Life at the Sea Side Life at the Seaside was Frith’s first major scene of the modern Victorian world. A ground-breaking painting, it was voted picture of the year at the Royal Academy in 1854. The 1840s saw a rise of the seaside as a place of leisure. The development of the
- [Dining Table](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dining-table/): Dining Table This dining room table which seats six, decorated around the edge of the top with an inlaid decoration, was made in Vienna, Austria. It was not part of Merton and Annie’s furniture but given to the museum in 1949. The museum’s accession register states that this table won a prize at the 1873
- [Writing desk](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/writing-desk/): Writing desk One of the writing desks which was used by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes. It is believed that Merton worked in the Dining Room so that he could pop over to the Royal Bath Hotel quickly if he was needed. This may also have been the writing desk used by Prince Henry of Battenberg when
- [Glazed earthenware vase](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/glazed-earthenware-vase/): Glazed earthenware vase This large two-tone lead glazed earthenware vase was designed by Scottish born Christopher Dresser and made by the Linthorpe Art Pottery (1878-1890) which he co-founded in North Yorkshire and. Dresser is regarded as one of the great pioneers of modern design and one of the first independent industrial designers who championed for
- [Primavera in Africa](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/primavera-in-africa/): Primavera in Africa The painting’s title Primavera is Italian for ‘spring’. Little is known about the sitter. We do know that the painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1946. The painting was bequeathed to the museum in 1969. Born in Lincolnshire, Kiddall won a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy Schools from
- [War Profiteers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/war-profiteers/): War Profiteers The artist Christopher Nevinson was a pacifist who worked as an ambulance driver with the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War I. He was profoundly affected by his wartime experiences and translated them into extremely powerful paintings. He later was appointed an Official War Artist. This painting shows two opulent figures, flaunting
- [Cliff End Studland, Dorset](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cliff-end-studland-dorset/): Cliff End Studland, Dorset Van der Weyden was one of a number of artists in the early 20th century drawn to the British coast and landscape. This work depicts an extensive view of Standfast Point, Swanage. The artist’s treatment of the shimmering reflective surfaces of the sea and the translucent qualities of its shallows eloquently
- [The Bather](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-bather/): The Bather This delightful study of a young woman looking out to sea fits the location of the Russell-Cotes perfectly. It is a world away from 19th century paintings of the nude, which tried to disguise the subject under the pretext of a classical or mythological subject. Our subject here (the name of the model
- [Dorset Landscape](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/dorset-landscape/): Dorset Landscape or Near Worbarrow Bay, Dorset The painting shows the coastline of the Isle of Purbeck, near Tyneham. A group of hikers are set against the peaceful backdrop. The painting depicts Dorset as a haven of tranquillity, with wide unspoilt views. Yet at the time of painting, coastal developments had begun to spring up
- [The Morning Room Ceiling](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-morning-room-ceiling/): The Morning Room Ceiling During the Second World War, a blast wave from a German parachute mine on 7 October 1941 brought the entire Morning Room ceiling down. In 1948, a competition was held to design a replacement which was won by Anna Zinkeisen. She was commissioned to paint a scene from ancient Greek mythology
- [Capri Girl with Flowers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/capri-girl-with-flowers/): Capri Girl with Flowers This painting is inset into the mantelpiece in the Morning Room and was painted while the artist was living on the Isle of Capri, Italy. We believe that Merton chose this picture specifically for this location. He then commissioned a local carpentry firm, William Mabey & Sons, to make the ornate
- [Spray](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/spray/): Spray Spray by Harold Williamson is one of our most popular paintings. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1940 and was purchased by the museum in the same year. At the time, Williamson was Painting Master at Bournemouth College of Art. His students admired his skill at life drawing and knowledge of anatomy
- [Musical Instruments](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/musical-instruments/): Explore the Russell-Cotes collection on Minim UK
- [A Lion's Head](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-lions-head/): A Lion's Head Exotic animals, such as this magnificent lion, were extremely popular subject matter for Victorian artists. As well as showcasing the lion's awesome beauty, this painting demonstrates imperial might. Capturing animals (both physically and artistically) represented Britain's conquest of distant and foreign lands. The artist, Heywood Hardy, was a painter, watercolourist and engraver
- [A Good Joke](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-good-joke/): A Good Joke (All 'e same T'e Pakeha') This is a print of the painting All 'e same T'e Pakeha by Charles F. Goldie. It is a portrait of Te Aho-o-te-Rangi Wharepu in European costume, wearing a shirt, coat, waistcoat and a bowler hat. A veteran of the Battle of Rangiriri (1863), the sitter had
- [Marie Antoinette (1744–1842)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/marie-antoinette-1744-1842/): Marie Antoinette (1744–1842) Renowned French artist Élisabeth Vigée LeBrun is considered the most important female painter of the 1700s. The daughter of a portraitist and fan painter, by the age of 15 she was earning sufficient money through her portraits to support her family. Her marriage to Jean-Baptiste-Pierre LeBrun, a painter and art dealer, gave
- [The Crater of Kilanea, Island of Hawaii](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/crater-of-kilanea/): The Crater of Kilanea, Island of Hawaii or 'Halemauman' An Active Lake of Molten Fire Dated 1883, two years after Charles Furneaux settled in Hawaii, this painting reveals the artist's experience of the flow of lava from the volcanoes of Hawaii. In this work, he has elected to paint by night, emphasising the dramatic qualities of the
- [Sir Henry Irving](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving/): Sir Henry Irving Today Sir Henry Irving is regarded as the archetype of the old-time actor, but in his own time he was regarded as a great theatrical innovator. Even George Bernard Shaw, who attacked him pitilessly, until his death, called him ‘modern’ when he first saw him act. He was, in fact, a typical
- [David Garrick](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/david-garrick/): David Garrick (1717-1779)
- [Sir Henry Irving in Various Roles](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-henry-irving-in-various-roles/): Sir Henry Irving in Various Roles
- [Sara Bernhardt](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sara-bernhardt/): Sara Bernhardt (1824-1923)
- [Miss Ellen Terry, Study for ‘The Golden Jubilee Picture’](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/miss-ellen-terry-study-for-the-golden-jubilee-picture/): Miss Ellen Terry, Study for ‘The Golden Jubilee Picture’
- [A Sketch of Ellen Terry at Halliford](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-sketch-of-ellen-terry-at-halliford/): A Sketch of Ellen Terry (1847-1928) at Halliford This portrait of stage actress Ellen Terry by Edward Matthew Hale was painted in 1881. In 1878, she had joined Henry Irving's company as his leading lady. Two of her most famous roles were Portia in The Merchant of Venice and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Married
- [Charles Kemble](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/charles-kemble/): Charles Kemble It was originally thought that this was the bust of John Philip Kemble, an actor executed by the sculptor Edwin Hodges Baily. However a historical list of Royal Academy Exhibitors dated 1844 reveals that Timothy Butler exhibited a plaster bust of Charles Kemble that fitted the same description. As there is no evidence
- [The Tippler](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-tippler/): The Tippler A metal statuette by Philibert Claitte of either the actor Edward Askew Sothern or his son George Evelyn Augustus T. Sothern (who used the stage name Sam Sothern). The figure plays the role of David Garrick from the play written by Thomas William Robertson by the same name and possibly titled 'The Tippler'.
- [David Garrick as Richard III](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/david-garrick-as-richard-iii/): David Garrick (1717-1779), as Richard III (from 'Richard III' by William Shakespeare)
- [Weary](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/weary/): Weary There is some confusion over the title of this painting by the genre and watercolour painter Edward Radford. In 1877 the Art Journal, who owned the painting, claimed that it was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1873, yet the only painting exhibited by Radford that year was called Reverie, and so it is
- [The Butterfly (Ariel)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-butterfly-ariel/): The Butterfly (Ariel) Falero specialised in painting the female nude in hyper-realist style. His choice of mythological and supernatural subjects allowed him the freedom to explore wild scenes of otherwise indecorous subjects. Falero's 'The Butterfly' was at one time entitled 'Ariel' and may be related to a work of the same name exhibited at the
- [An Egyptian Water Carrier](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/an-egyptian-water-carrier/): An Egyptian Water Carrier The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum contained two unabashed nudes by Arthur Hill in its collection. An Egyptian Water Carrier depicts a female figure wearing a diaphanous gown, which makes it inconceivable as a piece of standard genre.
- [Edward VII](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/edward-vii/): Edward VII (1841-1910) Albert Edward (1841-1910) was the King of the Great Britain and Ireland and of British dominions and the Emperor of India from 1901. He was an immensely popular and affable sovereign and leader of society. The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Albert
- [Bust of an Old Man](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bust-of-an-old-man/): Bust of an Old Man This sculpture is a remarkably virile attempt at male portraiture which emphatically portrays the care-worn features of ‘an ancient of days’ by the wrinkled forehead and the protruding veins in the neck. At first glance, it suggests a likeness to Delius who was one of the most distinctive figures in
- [Brother of the Artist](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/brother-of-the-artist/): Brother of the Artist A.G. Walker, R.A was born in London and taught sculpture at the Goldsmith College. Florence Nightingale, John Wesley, and Emiline Pankhurst were amongst many well-known people he modelled. His talent was recognised by election to the Royal Academy in 1925 and when his ‘Christ at the Whipping Post’ was purchased for
- [Sir Frederick Leighton](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sir-frederick-leighton/): Sir Frederick Leighton Frederick Leighton was perhaps the greatest English painter of the Victorian period. His richly coloured, technically brilliant work typifies late 19th century British art. The bulk of his work takes classical mythology as its source and he was the leading exponent of what is often referred to as Victorian Classicist or Olympian
- [An Italian Girl’s Head](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/an-italian-girls-head/): An Italian Girl’s Head In common with many contemporary painters Godward was a 'High Victorian Dreamer' producing images of an idealised and romanticised world. He established a reputation for painting young women in classical dress set against a marble backdrop. He had an ability to convey with sensitivity and technical mastery form and texture. The
- [Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/penthesilea-queen-of-the-amazons/): Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons This sculpture is a copy of a well-known classical statue based on the original of the 5th century BC by the Athenian sculptor Pheidias, who designed the Parthenon frieze. This bronze represents one of the legendary warrior women against whom many Greek heroes fought. In Greek mythology an Amazon was
- [Juliette Récamier](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/juliette-recamier/): Juliette Récamier (1777-1849) Juliette Récamier (1777–1849) née Jeanne Françoise Julie Adelaïde Bernard was a celebrated French beauty and social figure. At 15 she married Jacques Récamier, a wealthy, middle-aged banker, although their marriage was a mere formality. Her fashionable salon was, from the Consulate to the end of the July Monarchy, a gathering place for
- [Harvesting (The Haymakers)](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/harvesting-the-haymakers/): Harvesting (The Haymakers) Joshua Anderson Hague (1850-1916) was a landscape painter and watercolourist who specialised in quiet pastoral scenes. He was born in Rusholme, Manchester, and at 16 he joined the Manchester School of Art and studied under its Head, Mr Buckley. Hague became the leader of a group of young artists known as the
- [Bournemouth from the Sea](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bournemouth-from-the-sea/): Bournemouth from the Sea This painting is of Bournemouth seafront around 1861. John Wilson Carmichael was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland on 9th June 1800 and was the son of a ship’s carpenter. He was sent to sea at an early age and spent 3 years on board a vessel sailing between Spain and
- [The Bathers Alarmed](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-bathers-alarmed/): The Bathers Alarmed Solomon Solomon was an unusually versatile artist, at a time when many artists tended to focus on a favoured genre. He was a founder member of the Royal Academy’s rival exhibiting society, the New English Art Club in 1886 but a decade later became one of the few Jewish artists elected to
- [An Autumn Idyl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/an-autumn-idyl/): An Autumn Idyl While the title ‘An Autumn Idyll’ might suggest a rural scene, this painting shows an urban scene bathed in autumn light. John Atkinson Grimshaw was born in Leeds on the 6th September 1836. In 1861, at the age of 24, and to the dismay of his parents, he left his job as
- [Ehrenbreitstein, from Coblenz on the Rhine](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/ehrenbreitstein-from-coblenz-on-the-rhine/): Ehrenbreitstein, from Coblenz on the Rhine Pyne was born on 5 December 1800 in Bristol, England and taught himself to paint. He took part in the sketching activities of the Bristol School in the 1820s, exhibiting for the first time in Bristol in 1824. His style and subject matter, namely the atmospheric depiction of local landscapes and
- [Sun Steep’d Noon](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/sun-steepd-noon/): Sun Steep’d Noon Sir David Murray RA was a Scottish landscape painter. He was the son of a shoemaker, James Murray. He worked for eleven years for two mercantile firms, while studying in the evenings at the Glasgow School of Art under Robert Greenlees, finally devoting himself full-time to an artistic career from about 1875. He became an Associate of the Royal
- [Landscape with Poultry](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/landscape-with-poultry/): Landscape with Poultry William Baptiste Baird was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1847. As an adult, he moved to Paris to perfect his painting technique. In Paris, Baird studied under Adolphe Yvan, and exhibited extensively at the Paris Salon from 1872 until 1899. Baird was a painter of farm animals, rural subjects, and small animals.
- [The Dawn of Love](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-dawn-of-love/): The Dawn of Love The painting was originally titled ‘Venus now wakes and wakens love’, when it was exhibited at the British Institution in 1828. The lines are from Milton’s Comus: ‘Night hath better sweets to prove, Venus now wakes, and wak’ns Love. Come let us our rights begin, ‘Tis onely day-light that makes sin
- [The Cabbage Patch](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-cabbage-patch/): The Cabbage Patch Reid was a Scottish painter who spent his early working life in Surrey. He first found success with natural outdoor scenes of the Surrey countryside and was notable at the time for painting his scenes outdoors with the use of hired local people posing in the scene. Reid emulated the French Naturalist
- [A Capri Girl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-capri-girl/): A Capri Girl Charles Edward Perugini, originally Carlo Perugini, was an Italian born English painter of the Romantic and Victorian era. Perugini was born in Naples but lived with his family in England from the ages of six to 17. He trained in Italy under Giuseppe Bonolis and Giuseppe Mancinelli, and in Paris under Ary Scheffer. He became a protégé of Lord Leighton, who brought
- [Athena](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/athena/): Athena A marble bust of the Greek goddess Athena, wearing a close-fitting helmet which covers the back of her neck. There are owl feathers on her armour.
- [Mariola](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/mariola/): Mariola This bust length portrait of a woman called Mariola, brightly lit from above and turned to the left, is a bold psychological portrait of the sitter and a striking image of beauty. The sitter’s informal dress, in a light chemise and collarless brown tunic top contrasts gracefully with the painting’s formal energy of compositional
- [Cleopatra and the asp](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/cleopatra-and-the-asp/): Cleopatra and the asp Poynter was well known for his large historical paintings. He left school early for health reasons spending winters in Madeira and Rome. In 1853 he met the artist Frederick Leighton in Rome who made a great impression on the 17-year-old Poynter. On his return to London, he studied at the Royal
- [The Sea Cave](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-sea-cave/): The Sea Cave The nineteenth century saw the rise of the seaside as a place of leisure. The depiction of the classical nude by the sea also became popular among British nineteenth-century artists with William Etty being the strongest proponent of this style. Although he was besieged by criticism, his subjects were imitated by followers.
- [Proserpine](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/proserpine/): Proserpine Proserpine was the daughter of Ceres and the wife of Hades. In Greek myth she is known as Persephone. As Queen of the underworld, she received the gift of a golden bough from Aeneas. Known as one of the pre-eminent Neo-classical American sculptors of the nineteenth century, Hiram Powers is perhaps best known for
- [Driving Sheep, Surrey](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/driving-sheep-surrey/): Driving Sheep, Surrey John Linnell made his reputation and his fortune as a fashionable portraitist, but his real passion was always landscape painting. His wealth earned from portraiture enabled him to patronize William Blake, and some of his early landscapes are touched with the visionary quality of Blake, and of the artist Samuel Palmer, who
- [Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/glen-sannox-isle-of-arran/): Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran This picture depicts the mountain range surrounding the village of Sannox on the east coast of the Isle of Arran. The name of the village derives from the Norse word for ‘Sandy Bay’. In his autobiography “Home and Abroad” Sir Merton describes Sir David Murray as an old friend from
- [Lorenze Herkomer, Siegfried and Elsa](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lorenze-herkomer-siegfried-and-elsa/): Lorenze Herkomer, Siegfried and Elsa This family portrait shows his wood-carver father Lorenz and his two children by his first wife Anna who died in 1884. The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy (1888). The portrait of Lorenz was painted in the last months of his life and may have been posthumous. The portrait
- [Lion Hunt](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/lion-hunt/): Lion Hunt This sculpture captures a hunting scene. The man on the horse reaches desperately to help his fallen comrade. The stricken man possibly fell from the horse during the frenzy of the hunt. Aimé Millet was a popular French painter and sculptor. The majority of his works are public statues, displayed throughout France.
- [Summer](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/summer-2/): Summer This bust is one of a pair with Winter. They represent the female personification of the two seasons. Summer’s shawl is loosely draped around her shoulders and fastened by a spray of flowers. Born in Milan in 1833, Pietro Calvi studied and worked there until his death in 1884. He also trained under the
- [Winter](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/winter/): Winter This bust is one of a pair with Summer. They represent the female personification of the two seasons. Winter is wrapped in a shawl to protect her against the elements. Born in Milan in 1833, Pietro Calvi studied and worked there until his death in 1884. He also trained under the renowned sculptor Gioncani
- [A Girl's Head](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/a-girls-head/): A Girl's Head The American sculptor, William Couper, studied in both Munich and Florence. He returned to New York in 1897, where he established himself as a sculptor of Italian-style busts. A photograph from 1907 shows that Merton displayed this statue in the picture galleries.
- [The Messenger](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-messenger/): The Messenger (Girl with a Carrier Pigeon) The theme of love was popular with the Victorians. Here a young woman is carefully untying a love letter, sent by carrier pigeon. Lawrence MacDonald trained at the Trustees’ Academy, Edinburgh. He then moved to Rome to continue his studies. In 1823 he helped set up the British
- [The Bathers](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-bathers/): The Bathers (also known as One More Step and In We Go) This sculpture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1878. It depicts a tender image of a mother and child, preparing to take a paddle. Edward Stephens was brought up in Exeter. He was a pupil of E. H. Bailey, who created Nelson’s
- [Clytie](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/clytie/): Clytie In Greek mythology Clytie was a water nymph, who fell passionately in love with Apollo, the sun god. Every day she would gaze longingly as Apollo drove his chariot of light across the sky. Sadly, Apollo did not return Clytie’s love and instead continued to watch the progress of the sun, just as real
- [Miranda](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/miranda/): Miranda Very little is known about this work. The sculpture probably depicts Miranda from Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. In the play, Miranda and her father, Prospero, are stranded on a rocky island for 12 years. Prospero is a powerful magician and summons a huge storm to wreck a passing ship. Miranda falls madly in love
- [Queen Victoria](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/queen-victoria-2/): Queen Victoria Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were enthusiastic collectors and commissioners of fine art. Their daughter, Princess Louise, was a talented artist and sculptor. In 1893, she produced a marble sculpture of the young Queen Victoria. The marble version was used to produce smaller bronze versions, like this example.
- [Blood, Tears, Toil, Sweat](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/blood-tears-toil-sweat/): Blood, Tears, Toil, Sweat The title of this work refers to the famous speech given by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and the model was a soldier stationed near to where the sculptor was living at the time. Writing in a Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Bulletin in 1942 Norman Silvester states that ‘Under protest, the
- [Book and Basket](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/book-and-basket/): Female Figure (Book and Basket) This marble sculpture shows a female in classical dress holding a book and a basket filled with rolled scrolls. She is possibly be Clio, the Muse of History, whose attributes include books and scrolls.
- [The Annunciation](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-annunciation/): The Annunciation Solomon was born in London to a rich Jewish family whose wealth was made by selling straw hats and ostrich feathers. He was 16 when he entered the Royal Academy Schools and his work was first exhibited at the Royal Academy at the age of 18. Around the same time, he met Dante
- [If One Could Have That Little Head of Hers...](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/if-one-could-have-that-little-head-of-hers/): If One Could Have That Little Head of Hers... The painting was used as an illustration in two volumes of Robert Browning's poetry, Dramatis Personae and Dramatic Romances and Lyrics. It is a response to Browning's poem 'A Face'. The poem was inspired by the Renaissance paintings that Browning saw in Florence. The poem starts: If one
- [An English Girl](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/an-english-girl/): An English Girl Sir Lukes Fildes was one of the leading painters of the Victorian period. His reputation was initially gained through his drawings for the illustrated weekly, The Graphic and his illustrations for Charles Dickens’ last novel, Edwin Drood. He began to paint in oils in the 1870s and saw success initially as a
- [Love Betrayed](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/love-betrayed/): Love Betrayed Moving permanently to Florence in 1880, Stanhope fell completely under the sway of the early Italian Renaissance masters. He developed an allegorical language of complex symbols; a blind cupid is about to fall through a gap in the bridge. Cupid has been duped either by false love or false hope. In the background,
- [The Death Journey of the Lily Maid of Astolat](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/the-death-journey-of-the-lily-maid-of-astolat/): The Death Journey of the Lily Maid of Astolat This work is one of 16 original illustrations produced by Crane for the book King Arthur’s Knights: The Tales Retold for Boys and Girls, 1911 by Henry Gilbert (1868-1937). It depicts Elaine, the young maid of Astolat, who dies of unrequited love for the Arthurian knight,
- [Bust of a Young Woman](https://russellcotes.com/collection-piece/bust-of-a-young-woman/): Bust of a Young Woman A bronze bust of a smiling young woman, with coordinating bow details on her top, in her hair and around her throat. The artist's name appears on the left-hand side of the base of the work.

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## Event Types

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## Collections

- [Pre-Raphaelite](https://russellcotes.com/collection/pre-raphaelite/): The Russell-Cotes collection combines the well known glory of Rossetti and Arthur Hughes with lesser known artists such as Prynne and Stanhope. It shows the range of subjects covered by the artists from the seductresses of myth and legend to the wonder of the English Countryside and covers high art to book illustration. From Blessed Virgins and Lily Maids to Witches and Evil Queens, Sea-Sprites, Angels and Goddesses, it shows the power of the woman in Pre-Raphaelite art. Watch a short film by Historian Kirsty Stonell Walker on the Russell-Cotes and Pre-Raphaelites. Click on an artwork to find out more.
- [Dining Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/dining-room/): The perfect place for entertaining guests, East Cliff Hall’s Dining Room was a fashionable room with all the Victorian mod-cons such as central heating and electric lighting. This room reveals much about late Victorian taste and style, as seen in the wallpaper, ceiling motifs, decorative fixtures and the large-scale entertaining space. Living next door to their own hotel, the Royal Bath Hotel, had many advantages. Hotel staff would cook, clean and care for Annie, Merton and their guests on a rota basis. Food was brought over and would be prepared in the kitchen and scullery – where our café kitchen is today. When the next course was required, it could be requested by the head of the table with the touch of a button via a discreet floor-mounted bell push. The corridor, where you entered, was once part of the butler’s pantry area. Annie and Merton would use this room to entertain family and friends, but for larger functions they would use the dining facilities at the Royal Bath Hotel. Merton additionally used this room as a study and had a writing desk underneath the stained-glass windows of the four patron saints. Here he would sit as he dictated letters to his secretary Miss Louisa Sherrard (1866-1948), who had a bedroom upstairs, in what is now known as the Print Room. Setting the atmosphere with dark red wallpaper and mahogany furnishings, typical of the popular Scottish Baronial style, the room is framed by an impressive Japanese style gilded peacock and pomegranate mural. It was painted by John Thomas (c.1826-c.1900), who had also decorated the Royal Bath Hotel. The ceiling is a replacement installed when the original collapsed in the 1930s and is made of pressed tin, similar to the original. The dark red décor was traditionally used in dining rooms to show meat on the plate at its best, a tradition dating back to the 16th century. The stained-glass windows reveal the patriotism and imperialism of the Russell-Cotes; four of the panes depict the patron saints of the four kingdoms of the British Isles, and others represent the former British Empire colonies: Malta, Egypt, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Australia, Gibraltar and the southern part of South Africa (Cape Colony).
- [Morning Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/morning-room/): Originally hand stencilled from floor to ceiling and filled with paintings and sculptures, the Morning Room was used by Annie and Merton for breakfast, relaxation and to receive guests during the first part of the day. The adjoining sculpture terrace was used as a sun room and provided direct access to their private garden. All the fireplaces in East Cliff Hall were bespoke creations by Bournemouth based master craftsman, William Mabey (1848-1931). This fireplace is set with custom-made tiles featuring heraldic elements adopted by Merton to give a sense of tradition. The tiles are made by local manufacturer Carter Tiles of Hamworthy, later known as Poole Pottery. Portions of the original ceiling came down as early as 1928. However, the blast wave from a German parachute mine on 7 October 1941 finished it off and brought the entire ceiling down. A competition was held in 1948 to design a replacement. The successful artist was Anna Zinkeisen (1901-1976) who was commissioned to paint a scene from ancient Greek mythology depicting gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus. Today, this room showcases highlights of the museum’s 20th century works. In the spirit of the museum’s founders, we continue to collect works of art and many of these later additions have become true stars of the collection.
- [Drawing Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/drawing-room/): Traditionally, a Drawing Room was a formal room for entertaining guests and for ladies to ‘withdraw’ to after dinner. However, Annie and Merton preferred to use this room to display their fine collection of European ceramics and furniture. The opulent doors to this room were purchased on a whim from a smoke damaged Florentine palazzo; they quickly became the inspiration for the room’s design scheme, forcing the architect to start again from scratch. The doors were intended to be left open, showing the torch and quiver motif that is found in the stained glass, furniture, fretwork screen and coving. The beautiful rosewood display cabinet originally belonged to Empress Eugénie of France (1826-1920), wife of Napoléon III (1808-1873), and was bought by Merton at auction. When the Empress visited Bournemouth, she was shocked to see the cabinet again at the Royal Bath Hotel. She sent Merton a diamond ring, possibly as a gift in exchange for the return of her cabinet. Merton, however, chose to keep the ring and the cabinet. Artwork currently on display in the Drawing Room. Click on an artwork to find out more.
- [Main Hall](https://russellcotes.com/collection/main-hall/): The Main Hall was the focus of East Cliff Hall, and was designed to impress. It features an eclectic mix of styles, taking inspiration from Italian courtyards and Japanese aesthetics. This room is divided into two sections: the double-height Hall and a Gallery. The ornamental mosaic fountain was inspired by the Arab Hall in the home of the artist, Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), which Merton visited before building this house. The stained-glass skylight depicts the arc of the sun and the twelve signs of the zodiac. It is a replica of the original which was destroyed during the East Cliff bombing raid of 7 October 1941. This is the same raid which took down the ceiling of the adjacent Morning Room. At the far end, the Main Hall Gallery was designed to house a billiard table. However, it soon became an extension of the Main Hall, and was filled with paintings, ceramics, sculptures and suits of armour. The inglenook fireplace was replaced with stained glass doors in 1916 to provide access to new Art Galleries. The ceiling is decorated with Japanese mon (family crests) and the pillars are made of scagliola (plaster imitating marble). Artwork currently on display in the Main Hall. Click on an artwork to find out more.
- [Gallery II](https://russellcotes.com/collection/gallery-two/): Merton had an interest in collecting art from an early age. Most of his collection focused on work by major contemporary British artists, including Edwin Long, John Brett and William Etty. In addition to some notable Pre-Raphaelite paintings, the Russell-Cotes art collection reflects the popular themes of the time such as portraits, animals, children, landscapes and history paintings. Whilst he clearly favoured works associated with the establishment, particularly the Royal Academy, he also collected a surprisingly large number of paintings by pioneering female artists. Artwork currently on display in Gallery II. Click on an artwork to find out more.
- [Moorish Alcove](https://russellcotes.com/collection/moorish-alcove/): The elaborate decoration of this alcove was inspired by Annie and Merton’s visit to the Moorish Palace of Alhambra, Granada, Spain, in 1910. Merton’s inspiration also came after visiting the artist Lord Frederic Leighton and seeing the Arab Hall at his London house in 1896. The alcove features trompe l’oeil decoration. Trompe l’oeil, meaning ‘trick of the eye’, is a technique which creates the illusion of three dimensions through decorating a two-dimensional surface. The yellow jug is an example of this technique. When you visit the neighbouring Yellow Room, see if you can spot the real jug which provided the inspiration for this decorative feature. It was painted by an unknown muralist, who left his initials ‘J.M.’ on the coving. However, Oliver Thomas, who completed many of the other murals in the house, appears to have added the finishing touches, including the swallows and yellow jug. The Arabic script written below the dome translates as ‘There is no Victor but God’ repeated twelve times. Originally, the fully glazed dome was not intended to house a central light. However, Annie and Merton may have realised that at night, or on dark winter days, this area was too gloomy and added one. Prior to 1922, when the Museum first opened, the door to the Study was permanently closed and blocked by furniture and works of art.
- [Gallery I](https://russellcotes.com/collection/gallery-one/): In 1916 Annie commissioned an art gallery extension. This was to create more space for their ever-growing collection and to prepare for transition to a public museum. It also allowed the proper display of many of their larger works. Construction was slow as there were severe labour shortages due to the First World War. Galleries I-III were officially opened by Princess Beatrice on Merton and Annie’s 59th Wedding Anniversary in 1919. Unfortunately, Annie was unable to attend the formal opening downstairs due to ill health, however, she took tea with Princess Beatrice (1857-1944) directly after the formal ceremony in her Boudoir. Original plans show that the intention was for the fourth gallery to feature an observatory and visitor entrance. Annie’s ill health, along with other issues, meant that this was never realised by the couple. In 1926, a simpler version of Gallery IV was built, funded by Herbert (1870-1932) and Ella (1860-1954), the surviving children of Merton and Annie, to carry out their parents’ wishes. Artwork currently on display in Gallery I. Click on an artwork to find out more.
- [Stairs](https://russellcotes.com/collection/stairs/): Visitors would have originally entered East Cliff Hall from the Russell-Cotes Road entrance, leading into a vestibule and cloakroom. The impressive double-return staircase provided a dramatic, sweeping entrance into the house. The staircase is surmounted by a bespoke glass dome which features a night sky, shooting stars, clouds, bats and owls. Heavenly motifs can be spotted throughout East Cliff Hall. The dome was most likely made by Gateshead Stained Glass Company, which also made the original skylight in the Main Hall, and the British heraldic glass in the Dining Room. Annie’s monogram ‘ARC’ is inlaid on the original entrance hall floor. Merton always referred to the house as belonging to Annie and the collections to him. The walls of the staircase are in the typical Victorian three-part arrangement, with the dado at the base decorated with a bold stencil. The cornice is made of gilded copies of sections of the frieze found on the Parthenon Temple in Athens. The reproduction frieze is 17 meters long and was designed in 1893 by William Scott Morton for The Tynecastle Company. Merton may have seen a copy of the frieze in the studio home of Lord Frederic Leighton when he visited the artist to purchase the painting Perseus and Andromeda: A Study. Unfortunately, Merton’s decorators installed the panel incorrectly as the sacrificial procession is walking away from the seated deities.
- [Balcony](https://russellcotes.com/collection/balcony/): Before the addition of the art galleries, this was where Annie and Merton displayed their paintings, frequently changing them to highlight their latest purchases. The glass dome above the staircase depicts a wonderful extravaganza of the night sky, with bats, owls, stars and comets. This contrasts to the skylight and the fountain in the Main Hall, which both depict the daily transition of the sun, from sunrise to dusk. The original skylight over the Main Hall was replaced in 1949 after a wartime German air-raid and is loosely based on the original design. The balcony is separated from the stairs by a triple arch which provides an uninterrupted walk above the main hall, all of which are features influenced by Scottish architecture.
- [Red Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/red-room/): This room was originally Merton’s bedroom. Merton and Annie had separate but interconnected bedrooms with single beds. This was a common practice amongst middle-class Victorian couples. The ceiling mural depicts the birth of the Roman goddess, Venus, and was intended to be viewed whilst lying in bed. Originally, a fretwork screen separated the room, creating a sitting area in the bay window, giving views across the Bay from Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck to the Needles on the Isle of Wight. Usually, fires were essential for providing heating in a Victorian house, but East Cliff Hall had modern central heating, through vents in the floor. Nevertheless, all the main living rooms had fireplaces to provide extra warmth in the winter, and a focus for the room. All the rooms on the upper floor have secondary glazed windows to further warm the house in winter months. The bedrooms were extensively remodelled after the couple’s deaths, in preparation for opening the house as a museum. This included the removal of the screens and fireplaces. The wallpaper in the Red Room was created from an original section which was discovered behind a light switch. The wallpaper pattern is the same as in the Yellow Room. There are no photographs of the room as it used to look, so we have filled it with some of Merton’s favourite paintings and objects. Photographs of the Royal Bath Hotel show that the couple slept surrounded by their collection.
- [Yellow Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/yellow-room/): This light and airy room was originally Annie’s bedroom. Inspired by her passion for natural history, the coving decoration features delicate depictions of British flora and fauna. Like the Red Room, it was extensively remodelled after Annie and Merton’s deaths in preparation for the opening of the house as a museum. The fretwork screens and fireplaces were removed and the bedroom furniture and personal effects were passed to the Russell-Cotes family. We have no photographic record of what the rooms would have looked like, so have used photographs of their suite in the Royal Bath Hotel as the inspiration for the reimagining of these rooms. The wallpaper in this room is a handmade replica based on remnants of the original wallpaper. Restoration in the 1990s revealed the room’s decorator, Tom Scullard, had signed his name on the bare plaster walls. The bright fresh colours used in this room are in stark contrast to the dark sombre tones of Merton’s bedroom. This room features objects and paintings from our world cultures collection, in homage to Annie and Merton’s love of travel. Annie was interested in world cultures and natural history and acquired collections of ‘curios’ during her world travels. She was fascinated by indigenous cultures, particularly the traditions of the Aboriginal Australians and Māori, showing empathy and respect for their culture. She was affectionately known as ‘the good fairy of Bournemouth’ and was a benefactor in her own right. She donated land and money to fund the building of the Russell-Cotes Children’s Home and the Russell-Cotes Nautical School. Situated in Parkstone, both institutions provided support to orphaned, destitute or sick children. She was an accomplished writer and wrote two books about her travels – Westward from the Golden Gate and Letters from Russia – which feature personal observations of places, cultures and people she met. She was the second woman elected as a fellow to the Royal Society of Literature and one of the founding members of the Japan Society.
- [Boudoir](https://russellcotes.com/collection/boudoir/): The Boudoir was Annie’s private room. Here she would relax, write letters and read. In contrast to the masculine dark colours or Merton’s Study next door, the Boudoir’s pink walls and delicate decorations mark it as a feminine space. Annie’s interest in flora and fauna is highlighted by the beautiful butterfly fire screen. The collection and display of natural specimens – fossils, shells, animals and insects – was extremely popular in fashionable Victorian homes. It demonstrated scientific interest, as well as bringing nature inside and showcasing wealth. Princess Beatrice (1857-1944), the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria, took tea here after formally opening the art galleries in February 1919. Unfortunately, Annie had been too ill to attend the ceremony that took place downstairs. The Davenport tea service they used is displayed on the top shelf of the large rosewood display cabinet. Explore artwork currently on display in the Boudoir.
- [Study](https://russellcotes.com/collection/study/): Despite being referred to as the Study, this is not where Merton liked to work – he preferred to do his paperwork downstairs in the Dining Room. Here Merton relaxed, read and smoked cigars, surrounded by some of his favourite paintings, furniture and ceramics. The blue and white china was particularly fashionable at the time. Merton’s coat of arms can be seen above the doorway, while the tiles surrounding the fireplace were specially commissioned by Carter’s of Poole (later Poole Pottery) to show his monogram, motto and the motif from his crest. The Tynecastle wallpaper is embossed flax. It is in the Stuart pattern, whilst the frieze, also Tynecastle, shows the fleur-de-lys, the English rose and Scottish thistle, possibly intended to represent Merton and Annie’s nationalities. The ceiling mural shows Japanese influences and a repeating bird motif, which is echoed throughout the house. Explore artwork currently on display in the Study.
- [Irving Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/irving-room/): A museum within a museum, this room pays homage to Merton’s friend and one of the biggest names of the Victorian stage, Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905). Irving was an actor-manager who enjoyed huge success, particularly at London’s Lyceum, alongside the actress Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Famous for his acting style in plays such as ‘The Bells’ and ‘Hamlet’, he was also a theatrical innovator, being the first person to dim the auditorium lights to highlight the stage. He is also reputed to be the inspiration behind ‘Dracula’, which was written by his stage manager, Bram Stoker (1847-1912). The actor was a frequent visitor to Bournemouth and stayed at the Royal Bath Hotel on a number of occasions. Merton acquired a collection of memorabilia, from the human skull used in ‘Hamlet’, to Irving’s stage make-up. A large proportion of the collection was obtained from Christie’s auction of ‘theatrical relics’ in 1905. Merton converted his library into the Irving Museum, attracting donations of more Irving related objects. Explore artwork currently on display in the Irving Room.
- [Green Room](https://russellcotes.com/collection/green-room/): Explore artwork currently on display in the Green Room.
- [Musical Instruments](https://russellcotes.com/collection/musical-instruments/): The Russell-Cotes has a large and interesting collection of musical instruments, and you can find out more about these on the Minim UK, the largest virtual collection of historically significant musical instruments in the UK. Explore the Russell-Cotes collection on Minim UK
- [Artist in Focus - Lucy Kemp Welch](https://russellcotes.com/collection/artistinfocus-lucykempwelch/): Lucy Elizabeth Kemp Welch was born in Bournemouth in 1869. She studied at the famous Herkomer School of Art at Bushey under its founder Hubert von Herkomer. Her achievements there were reflected in the fact that she took over the school in 1905. She found success as an animal painter and more specifically in her representation of horses, for which she showed particular empathy and understanding.