Gallery-goers would be wise to schedule a pilgrimage to Dulwich Picture Gallery when visiting London. After all, it’s the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery after Sir Francis Bourgeois bequeathed his collection of old masters “for the inspection of the public”.

Today visitors can ”˜inspect’ the gallery’s permanent collection of Baroque masterpieces by European Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Canaletto and Veronese as well as a modern exhibition programme on painting and craft, which reflects the creative community who reside in the charming area of Dulwich.

The gallery’s Neo-Classical exterior and light-filled interiors designed by Sir John Soane in 1811 are equally noteworthy as the benchmark for modern art viewing and museum design. There may be no greater pleasure than walking through the gallery, under Soane’s skylights, and appreciating Dulwich Picture Gallery’s significance on art’s accessibility and visibility that continues to influence after 200 years.

http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/

Dulwich Picture Gallery London
Gallery Road, Southwark, Greater London SE21 7AD, United Kingdom
+44 20 8693 5254

Dulwich Picture Gallery Exterior ”“ Photo: Allan Harris

Inside the Dulwich Picture Gallery ”“ Photo: David Bramhall

Jonathan is our UK-based correspondent covering all eye-pleasing things for Melting Butter’s Arts & Culture pages. Being a contemporary visual artist working in public spaces around the world as well as a freelance culture writer for sites and publications like Ohh Deer and Candid Magazine, Jonathan brings a rare combination of talent from the worlds of editorial, conceptual art, design and lifestyle. Be sure to check his blog and his art practice, which satisfy his hunger for both high and low culture. Follow his tweets too: @JMVELARDIRead about Jonathan’s favourite hotspots here.

(Feature Photo: Inside the Dulwich Picture Gallery London ”“ Photo: David Bramhall)

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