| Holburne Museum of Art | |
|---|---|
|
Location within Somerset and the United Kingdom
|
|
| Established | 1916 |
| Location | Bath, Somerset |
| Director | Alexander Sturgis |
| Website | Museum Web site |
The Holburne Museum of Art (formerly known as the Holburne of Menstrie Museum) is in Sydney Pleasure Gardens, Sydney Place, in the Bathwick area of Bath, Somerset, England.
Contents |
The building was originally designed as the Sydney Hotel, and was built by Charles Harcourt Masters in 1795–6. During the course of the nineteenth century the building went through a number of changes of use, as well as structural alterations, until in the early years of this century (1913–16) it was converted by the architect Sir Reginald Blomfield to become the present home of the Holburne Museum. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building.[1]
For a relatively short period, the building housed Sydney College, a school set up to rival Clifton College for its education standards. Primarily aimed at those who could afford to board their sons, the school had some success and produced a number of notable alumni. Sydney College provided the opposition to Clifton College in the latter's first ever rugby match.[2]
The Holburne Museum houses the art collection formed by Sir (Thomas) William Holburne, (1793-1874), including silver, Old Master paintings, Italian bronzes such as the Susioni once owned by king Louis XIV, maiolica, porcelain, glass, furniture and portrait miniatures. These have been added to with examples of landscapes by Francesco Guardi and J. M. W. Turner, and portraits by George Stubbs, Allan Ramsay, Johann Zoffany and Thomas Gainsborough. The museum also owns portraits by modern artists such as David Fisher, who won the Museum's 2008 competition for a commissioned portrait.[4]
The Holburne is the official museum of the University of Bath,[5] though it has also engaged in collaboration with nearby University of Bristol.[6]
When open, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.