Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Dr Xavier Bray: The Wallace Collection is a national museum, located in Hertford House in Marylebone, London. It displays the inimitable art collection brought together by the first four marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace (the likely illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess). The unique character of the Wallace Collection we see today was determined by the acquisitions of the 4th Marquess and Sir Richard Wallace. Celebrated collectors, they lived primarily in Paris and assembled an ever-expanding art collection – which combined aspects of both French and English taste – that found its home in Hertford House. The Collection was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace, Sir Richard’s widow, in 1897 and has been open to the public since 1900.
What is your brand best known for?
The Wallace Collection is home to over 5,000 objects, one of the greatest single bequests of art treasures to a nation. Highlights include masterpieces by Titian, Velázquez, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals; princely arms and armour; and one of the finest collections of 18th-century French furniture and decorative arts. An essential part of the Wallace’s charm is its ambiance: visitors are invited to wander through the Collection, set out in a manner that evokes the lives and tastes of its founders.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
In 2019, we were delighted to announce that the Wallace Collection will loan works on a temporary basis, for the first time in its then 120-year history. The decision to lend works enables us to share our collection with the widest possible audience and to collaborate with museums across the UK and internationally, allowing us to expand our horizons. Our current exhibition, Caravaggio’s Cupid, is a unique opportunity to see Caravaggio’s masterpiece Victorious Cupid, on special loan from the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin and never-before-seen in public in the UK.
Why do you love the brand?
Here at the Wallace Collection, we believe that culture matters. Everyone should be able to discover and benefit from our spectacular collection, to develop a deeper understanding and endless enjoyment of art. Our work with families, local communities, and schools across the nation aims to enlighten and spark the imagination. The benefits of visiting a museum are unrivalled; it is a source of boundless inspiration for many, including Vivienne Westwood who once said, "All my ideas come from studying the ideas of the past…. I couldn’t design a thing if I didn’t look at art. The Wallace Collection is the greatest art school in the country."
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
As a national museum and a beloved institution, our brand represents the highest standards of craftsmanship and fine art. Each year, we open our doors to over 550,000 visitors from across the globe, who seek to enjoy our "sumptuous jewel box of a museum", as British Vogue put it, not to mention our imaginative and acclaimed temporary exhibitions.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
It’s a privilege to be able to connect with like-minded members who appreciate craftsmanship, history, art and culture. We are looking to build lasting relationships across the luxury sector with iconic British brands whose values align with ours.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose ?
With so many incredible brands in the Walpole network, it’s impossible to choose just one. We are always open to collaborating with like-minded brands who are looking for a fully bespoke partnership with a renowned cultural institution. Our unique collection and tailored approach set us up perfectly to develop mutually beneficial, strategic partnerships. Opportunities to get involved are countless: from animating a premium product brand at our VIP events or sponsoring one of our phenomenal exhibitions, to hosting an unforgettable night in our museum or unlocking access to curator-led tours and behind-the-scenes handling sessions.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
In May 2026, we will be mounting a major retrospective of Sir Winston Churchill’s art. Winston Churchill: The Painter will feature over 50 works by the great statesman, bringing together paintings from public and private collections, many of which have never been seen in public. Churchill’s paintings will be interspersed with photographs and quotes from his correspondence, revealing a creative passion beyond politics. This landmark exhibition will explore the healing power of art and celebrate Churchill’s use of painting as a considerable creative outlet – a reminder that creativity can be both a personal solace and a cultural force.
wallacecollection.org
