On a beautiful, crisp February morning, Little London Whispers visited the two new fabulous exhibitions at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. The Armada Portraits of Elizabeth I|Faces of a Queen and the Woburn Treasures.
Armada Portraits|Faces of a Queen
The Armada Portraits is a show-stopper. Whilst you may recognise this stunning and iconic painting of Elizabeth I, did you know there were three versions of this painting of the virgin queen?
Brought together for the first time in 430 years, (one from Woburn, one from Greenwich and one from the National Portrait Gallery) these incredible works can be seen up-close and personal.
All three portraits stunning in their own right. The paintings are dripping with symbolism, power and majesty; not missing the chastity symbol of those pearls! Honestly, for this mini-exhibition on its own, it is worth a visit.
What are the Woburn Treasures?
The significant works of art on display are on loan from the private collection of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. This is a collaboration of Woburn Abbey’s treasured items, alongside some of the Queen’s House permanent collection. They seem to marry seamlessly.
As Woburn Abbey is undergoing a massive 18 month refurbishment, it is a perfect time to show off its treasures to a London audience.
Why at the Queen’s House?
These Woburn treasures hang elegantly alongside much of the superb collection from the Queen’s House. They seem to enhance and complement each other perfectly.
The Queen’s House was built by Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark, the queen of King James I. It seems very fitting that one such treasure is the stunning full length portrait of Anne herself, has temporarily come home.
Woburn Treasures| Portraiture
You will find the great and the good of portraiture in this exhibition. The Reynolds portrait of the beautiful Elizabeth Keppel was our favourite, alongside the great master works of Gainsborough, Rembrandt and Van Dyck.
There is so much to see here. The stunning landscapes and seascape paintings, alongside ceramics, including the piece de resistance, a silver-gilt toilette set. They are woven together in such an elegant story, It is a lovely collaboration between 2 very special places. Please go – you will love it.
Armada Portraits & Woburn Treasures: The details
This gorgeous exhibition is FREE and no need to book ahead.
13 Feb – 17 January 2021. 10-5pm every day
Greenwich | The Extra’s…
LLW loves Greenwich. We love the splendour, the symmetry of the beautiful buildings and the classical architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is steeped in history.
Yet the centre of Greenwich is brimming with artisan coffee shops, eclectic boutiques and delis. We found the best sausage shop in town once, so worth an early start for breakfast. Did you know Daniel Day Lewis grew up in Greenwich? No, well you can find the plaque of his father around the corner – as I did whilst waiting for my breakfast sarnie!!
Spend a whole day here and you only really touch the surface. Include the Painted Ceiling and the Cutty Sark as an added bonus to your day out and you understand the splendour of this special part of London!
Tudors to Windsors : British Royal Portraits will open in April at Royal Museums Greenwich in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. Over 150 portraits of British Royal Portraits will go on display covering a period of 500 years. Another exhibition to look out for.