Marcelo F de Abreu

Review of The Guildhall Art Gallery

Leaving the circuit of main museums in London is...

Leaving the circuit of main museums in London is often very rewarding and Guildhall is so worth the detour or excursion, however one sees it!
Though I have to admit going to Guildhall just for the remains of the Roman amphitheater. Went through all the other rooms exhibiting mainly Victorian art without even looking at the walls, straight (though it is the least straight route possible) to the underground of the Gallery to find quite underwhelmingly humble ruins, especially since some event was sadly scheduled for the day and the space was crammed with boxes and technological paraphernalia and not the least atmospheric, as it is supposed to normally feel.
Just then did I go back to the rest of the gallery... The dramatic spirituality of William Blake here, Rossetti s angelic beauties there, and Burne-Jones, Millais... A wonderful collection of pre-Raphaelites, including some huge, epic paintings of prime quality, quite a few show stoppers really and no noisy crowds to hinder one s appreciation. Plus views of London across the times...
And though I don t like taking guided tours, am glad staff kindly suggested I take one for what an amazing guide we had, contagious in her wit and passion for art! Some 45 minutes worth a lifetime of information, that actually felt like only 15 while I wish had actually lasted 90 minutes!