Guildhall Art Gallery: Rossetti, McFadyen and Finer in the Square Mile
Established in 1885, the Guildhall Art Gallery, located in London EC2V 5AE, serves as the art repository for the City of London Corporation, featuring a notable collection of 19th-century artworks. Following significant damage during the Battle of Britain, a new structure was inaugurated in 1999. This complimentary gallery boasts an impressive array of Victorian art and hosts special exhibitions. A standout piece is Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s ‘La Ghirlandata’ (1873). The ongoing exhibition, ‘Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface)’, is available until 27 September, highlighting McFadyen’s 1970s and 80s creations, particularly his Tube station paintings from the 1990s, complemented by a sound installation from Jem Finer. Nearby attractions include Bloomberg Space and Hypha Studios at No. 1 Poultry.
Key facts
- Guildhall Art Gallery is located at Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE.
- It was founded in 1885 to display the City of London Corporation’s art collection.
- The original building was almost entirely destroyed during the Battle of Britain; a new building opened in 1999.
- Admission is free, and the gallery holds a large permanent collection strong in Victorian art.
- Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s ‘La Ghirlandata’ (1873), recently conserved, is a star draw, modelled on Alexa Wilding.
- The current special exhibition, ‘Jock McFadyen with Jem Finer: Underground (and Surface)’, runs until 27 September.
- Jock McFadyen was born in Paisley in 1950 and is a Hackney-based Royal Academician.
- The exhibition includes a soundscape by Jem Finer of The Pogues, using field recordings from the Northern and Central lines.
Entities
Artists
- Dante Gabriel Rossetti
- Alexa Wilding
- Jock McFadyen
- Jem Finer
- Paul Carey-Kent
Institutions
- Guildhall Art Gallery
- City of London Corporation
- Royal Academy
- The Pogues
- Bloomberg Space
- Hypha Studios
- FAD
- FAD Bazaar
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Guildhall Yard
- EC2V 5AE
- Paisley
- Hackney
- No. 1 Poultry
- Northern line
- Central line