The Covid Diaries 21: The Queen’s Gallery, George IV: Art & Spectacle

A visit to the Queen’s Gallery to understand the reputation and art collection of George IV. In which I found all that opulence rather relaxing.

George IV at the Queen’s Gallery

George IV served as Prince Regent for about as long as he was king. It’s thus with the Regency period of English history that he is most often associated. He was known for being frivolous and fanciful (think the Brighton Pavilion), mean to his wife, and good at leading the country through the Napoleonic Wars. To this legacy the current exhibition would like to add his savvy art collecting. Certainly it helped that he had no qualms about spending more than he should. But it is undoubtedly true that he brought many great artworks into the Royal Collection at this time. They have remained part of this private/public heritage ever since.

George IV was born in 1762, the eldest child of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. His father was (apart from the notorious ‘madness of King George’) pretty boring. The young prince was anything but. Wild parties, heavy drinking, an unofficial marriage to his favourite mistress, and hugely expensive tastes were among his sins. The exhibition makes the case that at least part of George’s wild behaviour came from deep-seated frustrations at the restrictions that were imposed upon him by his position.

He was denied a military career, but still credited with turning the tide against Napoleon. Unlike later royal problem-child Bertie (Edward VII) he could not be packed off on a foreign tour to broaden his horizons and stop him causing trouble, and was in fact not allowed out of the country at all. No wonder he acted out a bit, then. This argument actually infuses a certain pathos into George’s avid collecting of military bits and bobs and scenes and souvenirs from the European Grand Tour that was denied him.

Patron of the Arts

As a profligate spender, George IV (much like Charles I?) bought and commissioned an awful lot of good paintings. On display here are some lovely Rembrants and other Dutch Old Masters. There’s also a series by Sir Thomas Lawrence of the great figures of the Napoleonic Wars and following peace talks. The latter paintings are quite imposing and impressive. There are also selections of chinoiserie, innovative clocks, Boulle furniture, and opulent dinner services. Plus sketches of the Carlton House mansion (no longer standing) where it was all housed.

The Queen’s Gallery shows this sort of exhibition off to perfection. The rooms are so nice, the baizing so rich, the lighting just right, and the curation done thoughtfully. It gives a real sense of how all of these different items came together into Regency and Georgian interiors. It’s hardly cutting-edge, but I was impressed about how straightforward some of the presentation was. It’s a warts-and-all kind of approach that doesn’t seem to be overly pussy-footing around royal feelings. I guess maybe there isn’t any pussy-footing to do when the subject is about 200 years old…? but nonetheless it’s an encouraging sign that the curators at the Queen’s Gallery are able to bring some critical analysis into what they do and it’s not all just bringing some nice bits out of storage for the benefit of tourists.

A Tranquil and Covid-Safe Excursion

Speaking of tourists, there were pleasantly few visitors when I went to see this exhibition. Because of its royal connection and proximity to Buckingham Palace, the audience normally seems to be mostly tourists (including domestic). They’re not yet back in full force so it was possible to get a last minute ticket and still have plenty of space to myself in the galleries. The Queen’s Gallery run quite a tight ship anyway in terms of getting people in and out, security checks etc. They have adapted well to Covid-19 rules and make it very simple with minimal contact with staff or other visitors.

If you haven’t been to the Queen’s Gallery before, then, it’s a good time to go. Particularly if you want to spend an hour or so enjoying the pinnacle of Regency chic, then by all means get a ticket and come along to see the collection of George IV.

On its own merits: 3.5/5
Implementing Covid rules: 4.5/5

George IV: Art & Spectacle until 11 October 2020