Issue 28

25 June - 22 July 1996

Courtauld Institute hosts C&G reception

The City and Guilds Association reception marking the bicentenary of the death of Sir William Chambers, serves as a timely introduction to one of the University of London's most unpublicised and exquisite members - The Courtauld Institute of Art.

Founded in 1932, the Courtauld Institute of Art is the foremost centre in Britain for the study of the history of European art and has an international reputation. It is a school of the University of London, and has been awarded the top grading in the latest research assessment of British universities.

Since 1989 the Courtauld Institute has occupied one of the grandest and most famous neo-classical buildings in London - the Strand Block of Somerset House, which was built by Sir William Chambers between 1776-80. The offices and fine rooms are rich in historical associations, and were originally designed to house The Royal Academy, The Royal Society and The Society of Antiquaries.

The Galleries house the University of London's picture collection. This is a marvellous visual feast. 'The greatest concentration of western art in terms of quality and breadth in western European art to be seen anywhere in the world', commented The Sunday Times. The Independent noted it as 'Probably the greatest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world.'

Samuel Courtauld, the founder, endowed the Institute with his collection of superb Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. In 1977 the unique Prince's Gate Collection which consists of 32 works by Reubens, and major works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Tiepolo, was bequeathed by Count Antoine Seilern who lived with his collection in 56 Prince's Gate, opposite the City and Guilds College.

There is, in addition, some magnificent Renaissance furniture, several fourteenth and fifteenth century paintings, medieval ivories, sixteenth century Venetian and German glass maiolica and metalwork, and twentieth century art. Students may also consult the extensive collection of works on paper, including Old Master drawings in the prints and drawings study room.

The City and Guilds College Association reception will be held in the Courtauld Gallery on Friday 8 November 18.30 - 20.30. There will be a private viewing of the special exhibition of Sir William Chambers and a viewing of the picture collections. Enquiries on 0171-594 6131.

PHOTO: A Bar at the Folies-Bergères, Edouard Manet, 1882, is one of the many paintings housed at the Courtauld Institute. Photography by the Courtauld Institute Galleries, London.