Description:

Set in secluded woodland gardens by a peaceful riverside road you can find the stunning 18th century interior design that is the principal public art gallery for the borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Orleans House has a rich and vibrant history,it was originally built in 1710 for James Johnston, Secretary of State for Scotland. The stunning baroque Octagon room was built in 1720, designed by renowned architect James Gibbs. The house was demolished in 1926 but the Octagon room and outbuilding were saved and converted into an art gallery in 1972.

Orleans house, the main gallery hosts five temporary exhibitions each year - ranging from the historical to the contemporary.

The nearby Stables gallery, housed in evocative 19th century stables,  was opened in 1994 and exhibits work by up and coming cutting edge artists, local artists and community groups and organisations. The gallery stages approximately seven contemporary and community exhibitions a year.

Orleans House gallery houses the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Art Collection, one of the most outstanding fine art collections in London outside of national collections. The collection comprises almost two thousand pictures dating from the early 18th century to the present day, a number of which are of national significance.

The collection contains oil paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints by a number of notable artists, including: Peter Tillemans (1684-1734), Samuel Scott (c1702-1772), Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796-1875), and Eric Fraser (1902-1983). Painting and prints from the collection are regularly on display.

Visitors of all ages can try out their own artistic talents in a pre-booked workshop at Orleans House or simply soak up some of the history in and around the local area.