Celebrating Women:
Spencer House to Fortnums
4 hours [excluding lunch]
As March is International Women’s Month, this itinerary celebrates all things female. Located exclusively in London’s Royal neighbourhood of St. James’s, this Inspiration Itinerary will take you from the ultimate party house of the 18th century to a tea tasting experience at the famous grocers Fortnum & Mason, via the Royal Academy of Arts for the first ever exhibition of Angelica Kauffman – one of the female founders.
Spencer House
As you stroll down St. James’s Street with the Palace in front of you, off to the right is a small street that hides a secret. One of the only remaining original aristocratic palaces, Spencer House is a hidden delight. Originally built in 1756 for the first Lord and Lady Spencer [ancestors of the late Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Spencer], it was created as the ultimate party palace. The Spencers employed the most fashionable architects, collected art from the greatest painters of the day, and entertained the most lavish guests. The house suffered great damage during the war, but with the help of private funds this house has been lovingly restored to its original glory and every room tells an incredible story. The house is open for public tours on Sundays, however, ArtscapesUK has access to private tours with specialist guides at other times to suit you. Please enquire.
Royal Academy of Arts
Having been thrilled by the exploits of Lady Spencer and her evening soirees, you can walk up to Piccadilly to another great aristocratic house, Burlington House, better known as the home of the Royal Academy of Arts. The Institution was founded in 1768 by a group of artists. The Anglo-Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman was one of only two female founding members and the Royal Academy is currently showing her first solo exhibition. This ground-breaking exhibition, on until the end of June, showcases Kauffman’s work as one of the most important painters of the 18th century who changed the course of art. Her prodigious output included portraits of royalty, aristocrats, and celebrities of the day and charts her rising star from child prodigy to one of the most sought-after artists in Europe.
Tea Experience at Fortnum & Mason
Once you have finished at the Royal Academy, cross over the road to enter the hallowed doors of Fortnum & Mason. Still enjoying a Royal Warrant to this day, Fortnum & Mason has been in business since 1707. London’s most luxurious store has been supplying hampers and luxury goods to households – both royal and non – for over 300 years. As soon as you walk into the main lobby your senses are assailed by wonderous smells of teas, coffees, chocolates, biscuits and much more. There are 3 restaurants where you can enjoy everything from a light lunch to an afternoon tea. At ArtscapesUK we like to go the extra mile so please enquire about our Fortnum & Mason experiences including the famous Red Coat Tour or the tea tasting experience with your own tea sommelier. As you leave don’t forget to look up at the enchanting clock which strikes the hour and features figures of Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason.
To book this itinerary with one of our expert guides, please get in touch.