A creative partnership
Written by Close Brothers Asset Management
The building that houses The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House’s North Block, has roots stemming back to the 1770s, when architect Sir William Chambers rebuilt Somerset House on the site of the original 16th century palace which had suffered from decades of neglect.
A founder member of The Royal Academy, Chambers’ passion for the arts was integral to the Royal Academy’s move to Somerset House’s North Wing in 1779, and the addition of The Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries the following year. The Gallery hosted the first Royal Academy exhibition in 1780 and continues to be a beacon for visual arts today.
The Courtauld Institute
From its infancy, The Courtauld has worked to advance how we see and understand the visual arts, as an internationally-renowned centre for the teaching, research of art history and a major public gallery. Founded in 1932, the organisation has been at the forefront of the study of art ever since.
Art collectors Samuel Courtauld, Viscount Lee of Fareham, and Sir Robert Witt had been inspired by the success of educational institutions wholly focused on the arts in Europe and America.
The three pursued their ambitions in spite of widely held views that the arts were the playthings of the rich and not a suitable subject for a university education. And it is thanks to their determination that The Courtauld has shaped the insight and passion of a significant alumni over its 92-year history.
In keeping with The Courtauld’s ethos, the Institute has rarely stood still. In January 2022, The Courtauld Institute of Art and King’s College London announced a new landmark 10-year strategic relationship that further cements their recognition of the role that art and culture plays within UK higher education.
It will provide a new platform for working together between The Courtauld and all King’s faculties, as well as new areas for academic and educational collaboration, with the development of co-convened Masters courses, undergraduate module sharing, co-supervision of postgraduate research and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Ranked as one of the three leading art institutions in the UK, The Courtauld Institute of Art has forged a reputation as host to one of the world’s most prestigious art history, curating and conservation programmes.
September saw the first student enjoy the Close Brothers Asset Management Scholarship for an MA in Conservation. This important scholarship will help ensure a new cohort of skilled conservators, able to care for the artworks in outstanding collections around the world.
Courtauld connects
The Courtauld’s mission to share its works and knowledge has been accelerated by its transformation project Courtauld Connects.
Founded in 2018, Courtauld Connects’ first milestone was the transformation and reopening of the acclaimed Courtauld Gallery in 2021, along with the new Linbury Conservation Centre, Leon Kossoff Learning Centre and accessible public facilities including a shop and café.
Courtauld Connects Phase 2 will go further with ambitious plans to renovate the entire East Wing and extensive vaulted library of Somerset House’s North Block, connecting students and visitors to the Gallery with an even greater expanse of resources and events.
The Gallery’s recent regeneration spearheaded by Stirling Prize-winning architects Witherford Watson Mann, with exhibition design by Nissen Richard’s Studio, has revitalised the building to an inspiring setting that befits the 21st century.
The redevelopment was shortlisted for the 2023 RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Stirling Prize, the UK’s highest accolade in architecture, for allowing “the spirit of the historic building [to] lead the visitor experience,” and the application of “21st century creativity to solve some of its inherent complexities”.
The Courtauld’s continued commitment to connecting the world with its works was integral to this.
The Courtauld gallery
The Courtauld boasts an enviable collection with works dating back as far as the Middle Ages.
The Gallery’s resident masterpieces include Édouard Manet’s renowned A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, Claude Monet’s much-loved Vase of Flowers and Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Self-portrait with Bandaged Ear.
Equally celebrated is The Courtauld’s rolling exhibition programme, including five-star exhibitions The Griffin Catalyst Exhibition: Frank Auerbach. The Charcoal Heads; Claudette Johnson: Presence; The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Peter Doig and The Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Van Gogh. Self Portraits, through which the Gallery speaks to the expansive knowledge of its in-house research capability.
The Courtauld Gallery’s summer programme includes an exhibition of evocative black and white images of childhood and youth culture by acclaimed British photographer Roger Mayne, while Henry Moore’s Shelter drawings will be displayed in the Drawings Gallery in collaboration with the Henry Moore Foundation.
In the Project Space, is an impressive collection of works by Vanessa Bell, which offers a vibrant insight into the Bloomsbury Group and the avant-garde era.
With its centenary within touching distance, there’s much to look forward to as The Courtauld continues to explore the potential of its elegant new surroundings. And we have an inkling that its three founding members would be immensely proud to see their passion for visual art burning brighter than ever from the heart of The Strand to many, many miles beyond.
Click here to learn more about Close Brothers Asset Management's partnership.