Visit London Blog - Enjoy the very best of London

Archive for 23 June 2009

JW Waterhouse at the Royal Academy of Arts

John William Waterhouse - Circe Invidiosa: Circe Poisoning the Sea, 1892, Oil on canvas, 180.7 x 87.4 cm. South Australian Government Grant 1892 Art Gallery of South Australia

The JW Waterhouse: The Modern Pre-Raphaelite exhibition at London’s Royal Academy of Arts feels a little overshadowed by the Summer Exhibition’s excitement and debate, but it’s the perfect companion to the bigger show.

The paintings have been gathered together from public and private collections across the world. It’s thrilling to see the paintings on display at the Royal Academy where many of them were first exhibited in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Pick up an audio guide and listen to the stories behind the paintings and dream yourself away into romantic world of classical stories and medieval chivalry.

One of my favourite things about Waterhouse’s paintings is the detail in the costumes worn by the heroes and heroines. After you see the exhibition, you’ll have an overwhelming desire to take some velvet cushions to the park and lounge about in long flowing robes being emo.

Read more about the JW Waterhouse exhibition.

Are you a fan of Pre-Raphaelite paintings? Then check out these places where you can see more Pre-Raphaelite art in London:

This article has 2 comments. Why not add yours?