Why has it taken me so long to return to this treasure trove? The Wallace Collection is basically a stately home bang in the centre of London, mind-boggling in its extravagance. And it’s free to visit!
I came across a silverware tinker below a pair of 16th century leather shoes (in perfect condition) before sauntering on to Velasquez, Rembrandt, Reynolds, Vigée le Brun, Rubens and Fragonard to name-drop only a few. That’s not including the snuff boxes, miniatures, displays of Sèvres, sculpture, clocks, mirrors…
There is really no excuse for leaving it this long…
