Impressions of Spain in the 1830s
Free public exhibition
The Weston Room, Maughan Library
14 September – 10 December 2023
Open daily 10.00-17.00
The 1830s witnessed an unprecedented level of British interest in the landscapes, people and monuments of Spain, from Peninsular War battlefields to the wonders of Nasrid Granada. Spain had not traditionally been part of the Grand Tour, which took wealthy Britons to France and Italy to discover the heritage of classical antiquity and the Renaissance, but the war against Napoleon had put the country firmly in the headlines, stimulating curiosity among British travellers; once the wounds of the Peninsular War had begun to heal and European travel was easier, that curiosity could begin to be satisfied.
This exhibition showcases the work of several British artist-travellers, including Harriet and Richard Ford, Owen Jones, John F Lewis, David Roberts and George Vivian, all of whom visited Spain in the 1830s, recorded their impressions and published the results. It also celebrates the outstanding lithographers and engravers who brought these images to a wider public and features a rare opportunity to admire views by David Roberts’s Spanish protégé, Genaro Pérez Villaamil.
This exhibition showcases the work of several British artist-travellers, including Harriet and Richard Ford, Owen Jones, John F Lewis, David Roberts and George Vivian, all of whom visited Spain in the 1830s, recorded their impressions and published the results.
For further information on the exhibition and to download an entry ticket, please see the Impressions of Spain in the 1830s exhibition event page.
Exhibition curators: Claudia Hopkins and Barry Ife
Exhibition closure dates:
Please note that the exhibition will be closed to visitors on the following dates and times
- Wednesday 18 October (12.00-17.00)
- Wednesday 15 November (12.00-17.00)
The Weston Room
The Weston Room incorporates many features from the former Chapel of the Masters of the Rolls, including three 16th and 17th century funeral monuments.
One of these is a terracotta figure of Dr Yonge (Master of the Rolls and Dean of York, who died in 1516) which was sculpted by Pietro Torrigiano (1472-1528) who also created Henry VII’s tomb in Westminster Abbey and is said to have broken Michelangelo's nose in a tavern brawl.
There are also memorials to Richard Alington (who died in 1561, a brother-in-law of a Master) and Lord Bruce of Kinloss, a Master who died in 1616.
From 1902 until 1986 the rebuilt Chapel, now deconsecrated, provided a Museum for the Public Record Office. Stained-glass windows showing the armorial bearings of some of the 17th century Masters had been preserved, and more were added in 1899.
Restoration work for King's College London has revealed a fine mosaic flooring, probably laid in 1898.
A memorial to former staff members of the Public Record Office who died in the First World War is also sited in the room.