The Queen's House
Designed by Inigo Jones, the Queen's House is a 17th-century villa set in the grounds of the National Maritime Museum, and home to an internationally renowned art collection.
The building was commissioned by Anne of Denmark, wife of James I. Jones, her chosen designer was, fresh from a three years in Italy and steeped in classical and Renaissance architecture. Anne died soon afterwards, and the building was completed for Charles I’s consort, Henrietta Maria.
As England’s first Classical building, it would have been revolutionary in its day. Leading painters, including Jacob Jordaens and Orazio Gentilleschi, provided decorative panels for the interiors, which were adorned with classical statuary.
The house reopened after refurbishment of the galleries and the famous tulip stairs in time to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2016. As part of the project Art Fund commissioned Richard Wright to create ornamental, gold leaf design sprawls across the ceiling and gallery walls of the Great Hall. The artist was inspired by the the wrought iron leaves, scrolls and flower heads that can be found on the spiral balustrade on the stairs, as well as other features from the original architecture.
Created with a team of assistants over the course of nine weeks it was painstakingly applied by hand, just as craftspeople in the 17th century would have done. This commission marks a historic moment for Queen's House; not since Gentileschi in the 1630s has any artist created a new permanent work for the ceiling of the Great Hall.
Visitor information
Address
Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London, SE10 9NF
020 8858 4422
Opening times
Daily, 10 am – 5 pm. Pre-booking is essential. Closed 24 – 26 Dec. Please check the website for any planned closures prior to your visit.
Visitor information
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