In 1824 Parliament purchased 38 paintings from the art collection of John Julius Angerstein (1735-1823). This purchase formed the basis of the National Gallery when Prime Minister Lord Liverpool (in office 1812-1827) was persuaded to establish an art gallery, to rival those across Europe. It was opened on 10 May 1824 in Angerstein's House on Pall Mall. In 1828 the growing collection was moved to the purpose-built Gallery we know and love today.
Claude's 'Seaport with the Embarkation of Saint Ursula' was one of the first paintings to enter our collection. It will be displayed in St Stephen's Hall in the Palace of Westminster for three weeks, to celebrate our 200th birthday. The painting's maritime theme harmonises with the painted murals in the hall, the perfect setting for this great work from our collection.
St Stephen's Hall is part of regular guided tours of the Houses of Parliament and Palace of Westminster. There will also be a special Friday Late in the Palace of Westminster. This ticketed event will include life drawing, curator talks, and other events to celebrate the Gallery's Bicentenary and the historic role of Parliament in the arts in the UK.
Tickets will be available soon on the Parliament website.