Famous paintings to be found at the Russell-Cotes Museum

An expensive Victorian house donated to the people of Bournemouth would be considered to be a fantasy; this is not the case with the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. It was given to the town in 1908 and opened in 1922 and holds pieces that are often lent to galleries around the world.

The collection within the main house is mostly that acquired by its former owners, Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes. The art work is not the only thing that is admired; of particular note is the location within the museum of the exhibition. The frieze within the main hall alone is based upon that in the Parthenon in Greece, and the glass roof depicts the heavens in daylight, which is then replicated in the pond below. The detail expressed in the ceiling of the main hall is exquisite.

The paintings that are hung are by well known artists that include Walter Hunt and Charles Jones. The art work receives world acclaim, with ‘Venus Verticordia’ by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, frequently being lent to exhibitions all around the world including, most recently Italy and Japan.

Within the main hall there are sculptures by Pietro Calvi that contribute to the exhibition by breaking up the space and the art work. The ambience and decoration in the main hall still resembles that of a grand country home which creates an appropriate setting for the amazing paintings and sculptures that are found in the exhibition.