The spot on which the National Gallery stands overlooking Trafalgar Square had been a royal mews and stables since the 14th-century. In those days there would have been humble houses and popular pubs clustered nearby. There still are dozens of pubs in the area but the ‘humble houses’ have long disappeared. Today the National Gallery overlooks one of London’s most popular sites - Trafalgar Square.
History of National Gallery
The National Gallery had a fairly simple start to its life when, in 1824, a private collector persuaded the government to purchase 38 fine paintings for the nation. These included works by the likes of Rubens and Rembrandt and were placed in a private house until a suitable gallery could be built. The site chosen was on the north side of what is today called Trafalgar Square (the Square as we know it was not built until 1845) because it was considered to be the at the centre of London and was was easily reached by rich and poor alike.
The National Gallery, London
Right from its beginning, entrance to the National Gallery was free. When the original 38 paintings were purchased in 1824 the cost for this Classical-style building was £57,000 (around $US 93,000). A hundred and eighty-five years ago this was a huge amount of money and shows the public spirited nature of those people who decided to make access free and open to everyone. From its low-key start the National Gallery today houses one of the finest collections in the world and all the great periods of European painting are represented.
National Gallery Damaged by Bombs
During World War 2, when the first bombs began to fall all over London, the National Gallery was hit for the first time on October 12, 1940. and one of its rooms was completely destroyed. It continued to be a target and was bombed a number of times. Fortunately no one was injured but, during the same raid Trafalgar Square, a few metres away, was attacked and seven people were killed and thirty-three were injured. Fortunately for the collection, the paintings had been placed in a safe place for the duration of the war. Imagine if priceless works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt, plus many more, had been lost forever.
Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery
The new Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery was opened in 1991 to display the entire early Renaissance collection. It is home to the National Gallery’s oldest paintings dating from 1250 to 1500. Although contempory in style the Sainsbury Wing is adjacent to the Classical-style National Gallery and blends in very well. Entrance is free, as it is to all public art galleries and museums in London, although their is a charge for special exhibitions.
TIP
There is no way you can see all that is on offer - it would take a very long time. There are around 2,500 masterpieces on show. Try to plan ahead re what you really want to see. If you are not sure what you want to see the check out the National Gallery website which supplies a handy list of 30 'must see' paintings. Also there are Guided Tour 60-minute taster tours of the collection every day 11.30am and 2.30pm, and Fridays at 7pm.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
