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 The
Guildhall,
the meeting place of the Corporation of the City of London,
is used for special civic occasions. The
spectacular building, though looking medieval, dates from
the late-18th century.
The Guildhall Gallery was established
in 1885 but the original building was gutted by fire during
the Blitz, destroying many valuable works. The demolition
of the old Gallery building revealed the archaeological remains
of London's lost amphitheatre which are now incorporated in
the basement of the gallery, which opened to the public in
1999.
The Corporation began collecting
works of art in the 17th century and has a collection of around
4,000, mainly Victorian, paintings. However, only about
250 can be exhibited at any one time and part of the gallery
is given over to a rolling exhibition so that more obscure
works can be given an airing.
A digital gallery allows visitors
to search for the pictures held in store.
The paintings are mainly of historical
rather than artistic interest with battle scenes, London cityscapes
from the 17th century to the present day, and portraits of
former mayors and other dignitaries.
A highlight of the gallery is
Constable's oil sketch 'Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows'.
The Guildhall Gallery now concentrates
on acquiring work with London subjects or pieces with some
relevance to the Capital.
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