Latest news
Recent news and exciting developments.
Hidden Gem to National Treasure: Project updates
Final touches are taking place in the construction phase of our transformative Hidden Gem to National Treasure redevelopment at Leighton House, including the installation of a new lift across all three floors. Built within an imposing brick rotunda in the new wing, the lift will allow us to offer a fully accessible visitor experience for the first time, a truly significant milestone in the history of the museum. The rotunda has recently been completed with the first contemporary artwork commissioned for permanent display, Oneness, by Shahrzad Ghaffari.
We look forward to receiving the finished pieces commissioned to the Turquoise Mountain Foundation to be on display in the new café, shop and reception area. A unique suite of furniture, crafted by master artisans displaced from Syria and now based in Amman (Jordan), they take inspiration from the motifs of shamsa or ‘sunburst’ of a Syrian chest acquired by Leighton, currently on display in the magnificent staircase hall.
In other furniture news, the team of bespoke designers at Luke Hughes is busy finalising the recreation of a lost pair of stunning bookcases that Leighton designed in collaboration with his architect, George Aitchison. Learn more about this exciting project, made possible thanks to the support of The Friends, and watch our short video.
The Hidden Gem to National Treasure project focuses on the unsympathetic 20th-century additions made to Leighton’s home and will provide the museum with improved visitor facilities, new exhibition spaces, a purpose-built collections store and a dedicated learning suite. Reopening dates will be announced soon.
Leighton House partners with Maya Youssef
Leighton House are thrilled to announce a new partnership with ‘queen of the qanun’, Maya Youssef.
A globally renowned and award-winning musician and composer from Syria, Maya has pushed the boundaries of the qanun (a 78 stringed plucked zither traditionally played by men) with performances for the Royal Albert Hall, BBC Proms and The Barbican, to name just a few.
Leighton House have commissioned Maya to compose a new piece of music inspired by the house, which will be performed live in Leighton’s studio when the museum reopens, and launch a collaborative programme of creative events, made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Maya has recently won the PRS Women Make Music Grant and Arts Council Project for the Arts funding towards recording her second album ‘Finding Home’ which will be released 25 March 2022, followed by a UK tour combined with refugee community workshops.
We look forward to sharing further updates about our partnership with Maya. Keep your eyes, and ears, open.
Proud to announce our partnership on International Women's Day (8 March 2022), read more about the women both past and present who have helped to shape the artwork, collections and history of our museums in The women who made us.
Maya Youssef with her qanun ©IGORSTUDIO
New Sambourne House collection highlights on Smartify
From satirical illustrations and delicate paintings, to colourful wallpapers and a myriad of objects, including a liqueur box and detective camera - the collections at Sambourne House are representative of the taste and life style of its owners, Victorian illustrator Linley Sambourne and his wife Marion. The Sambournes lived in their 'House Beautiful' for over 36 years and the interiors remain practically untouched today.
Although Sambourne House is currently closed while we finalise some much-needed conservation and repair works, you can explore its extraordinary collections on the free mobile platform, Smartify, where we have just launched a new selection of seventy seven objects and artworks that you'll be able to see in person when we reopen later this year.
Explore our new online Shop
Exhibiting the best in contemporary design and artisan craft, our new online shop is inspired by the homes, work and collections of Frederic Leighton and Linley Sambourne.
From silk scarves in William Morris prints, to leather keyrings featuring exotic birds and beautifully decorated sketchbooks, there is something for every occasion with our range of homeware, stationery, accessories, prints and more.
And don't forget that if you become a member of The Friends, you'll receive a 10% discount with every purchase!
Blue tile make-up bag and eye mask
Exciting discovery in the making of the new Learning Centre
A central element of the Hidden Gem to National Treasure developments at Leighton House is the transformation of the existing historic lower ground floor into a Learning Centre. This space, that once housed rooms such as the kitchen, cold store, wine cellar, pantry and butler’s bedroom, will support a rich and varied programme for participants of all ages and interests, linked to a newly created learning area in the garden.
Although equipped to a high, contemporary standard, the Learning Centre will retain original features such as flagstone flooring and the colour scheme, creating a unique and evocative space. One of those features has been uncovered recently during building works – a window in the butler’s pantry, from where Mr Kemp would have kept a beady, observant eye on the comings and goings of the household, as well as visiting trades and deliveries.
By opening up the basement, we will be able to tell the largely untold stories of the household staff who lived separate but alongside Leighton, maintaining his home both whilst he was in residence and when he left to travel extensively for extended periods away.
The new Learning Centre at Leighton House is made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Former butler's pantry with rediscovered window, Leighton House
The museums launch their new branding
The museums' new brand identity was launched in September. Our redesigned logo presents two interconnected blocks, suggesting architectural forms injected with bold colours reminiscent of the vibrant palette in Leighton's and Sambourne's house interiors. The bespoke typeface combines straight lines with quirky, irregular traces that are inspired by late 1800s calligraphy styles.
But this isn't just a 'new look' - the museums have undergone a profound transformation that will manifest through our reimagined vision and the core museums' mission. Both Leighton House and Sambourne House appear now unified in the same creative universe, whilst retaining their unique characters and identities that reflect Leighton's and Sambourne's distinct personalities.
Our vision is to widen appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Victorian art, architecture and history;
their contemporary relevance made apparent and meaningful.