ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Magic and Mess: The Artist's Studio at Leighton House

exhibition · 2026-07-21

Leighton House is celebrating its centennial with a new exhibition titled "Magic and Mess," which examines the vibrant creative environment of 19th-century artistic studios. Open from October 31, 2026, to March 21, 2027, the display features 56 works, including paintings and photographs sourced from the Katrin Bellinger Collection and the Tavolozza Foundation. A highlight of the exhibition is Lawrence Alma-Tadema's "In My Studio." Organized into four thematic sections, it also showcases masterpieces by Cézanne and Matisse. A film for the exhibition features insights from various art historians, while a comprehensive catalog will be published by Paul Holberton Publishing.

Key facts

  • Exhibition runs 31 October 2026 to 21 March 2027 at Leighton House, London.
  • 56 works from the Katrin Bellinger Collection and Tavolozza Foundation.
  • Inspired by Leighton House's 2023 acquisition of Alma-Tadema's 'In My Studio'.
  • Four themes: Light, The Female Model, The Stove, The Corner of the Studio.
  • Includes Cézanne's 'The Stove in the Studio' (National Gallery) and Matisse's 'Studio under the Eaves' (Fitzwilliam Museum).
  • Photographs show studios of Leighton, Sargent, and Fortuny.
  • Commissioned film features curators, Bellinger, and artist Suzy Murphy.
  • Catalogue published by Paul Holberton Publishing with essays by multiple scholars.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Chelsea
  • Cambridge

Sources