SOMERSET HOUSE
Somerset House is one
of the main cultural centers in London. It was originally a palace designed
for Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset between 1547 and 1552. Edward
proclaimed himself protector and regent until his nephew reached the necessary
age to fully assume the throne.
King George III made
the decision to rebuild the aging palace in 1774 and requested that
William Chamber, premier architect of the time, undertake the formidable task
of completing the new palace and grounds. Sir William included watergates
leading into the building offering access by boat at any time of day, an
unheard of feat for that day and age.
Features:
The Gilbert Collection;
The Hermitage;
The Courtauld;
Artistic works by
Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh
and Edouard Manet.
