PRIVATE TOURS OF LONDON MUSEUMS & GALLERIES – PRACTICAL INFO
● Private guided London museum/gallery tour.
● Officially accredited Blue Badge London guide.
● Mon to Sun. Start 10am. 2 to 3 hours duration.
● Meet at any pre-arranged central London place.
● Price for 1 to 10 persons: £260.00.
● All entries to these museums & galleries free.
BRITISH LIBRARY
To the north of central London stands the British Library, a modern red brick building which contains 14 million books. If you were to see five each day, it would take you 8,000 years to see the whole collection. What we will see in this private guided tour of the Gallery Exhibition is just a tiny percentage, but it will feature some of the greatest printed items in history. Items such as an early Bible (the 360AD Codex Sinaiticus from Greece), the world’s earliest printed book (the 868AD Diamond Sutra from China), and Europe’s earliest printed book (the 1454 Gutenberg Bible from Germany). From Britain we have the 715AD Lindisfarne Gospels, an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta; and a 1623 first edition of Shakespeare’s plays. Plus, royal letters and decrees, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo sketches, Jane Austen’s writing desk, and musical manuscripts in the hand of Bach, Beethoven, and the Beatles. Much more besides in this priceless experience.
BRITISH MUSEUM – TOUR #1: TREASURES OF THE THE BRITISH MUSEUM
A private guided tour of civilization’s hall of fame! The iconic British Museum was founded over 250 years ago in the academic heartland of London known as Bloomsbury. Recently remodelled, this independent institution prides itself on being the world’s first free public museum. Step into the Great Court and marvel at the magnificent glass roof. Below are the seven million objects that make up the greatest collection of antiquities in the world.
This tour examines the Museum’s top 10 treasures from major world cultures. From Ancient Egypt, the Mummies, Statue of Ramesses and the famous Rosetta Stone. From Ancient Assyria, the sculptures of King Sargon’s palace. From Ancient Greece, the Elgin Marbles. From the Pacific, the Easter Island Statues. From Britain, the Roman Vindolanda Tablets, the early Christian Hinton St Mary Mosaic, the Saxon Sutton Hoo Treasure and the Viking Lewis Chessmen.
BRITISH MUSEUM – TOUR #2: ROMANCING THE BRITISH MUSEUM
A private guided tour of civilization’s hall of fame! The iconic British Museum was founded over 250 years ago in the academic heartland of London known as Bloomsbury. Recently remodelled, this independent institution prides itself on being the world’s first free public museum. Step into the Great Court and marvel at the magnificent glass roof. Below are the seven million objects that make up the greatest collection of antiquities in the world.
This tour examines the exhibits that inspired an army of dreamers to wax lyrical, such as Ramesses Statue, the Elgin Marbles, the Tomb of Mausollus and the Portland Vase. Literally mixing art with antiquities, this revealing jaunt features the Romantic antics of Byron, Keats, Shelley & co, and explores the poetic licence that inspired Tennyson, Coleridge and Yeats among others. Don’t wander around the museum lonely as a cloud, let us immerse in verse!
BRITISH MUSEUM – TOUR #3: BRITISH MUSEUM AT THE MOVIES
A private guided tour of civilization’s hall of fame! The iconic British Museum was founded over 250 years ago in the academic heartland of London known as Bloomsbury. Recently remodelled, this independent institution prides itself on being the world’s first free public museum. Step into the Great Court and marvel at the magnificent glass roof. Below are the seven million objects that make up the greatest collection of antiquities in the world.
The British Museum recently starred as a location in the Night at the Museum series of movies. This tour celebrates the Museum’s role in inspiring classics for the silver screen. Join us for this fascinating and unusual hike around the hallowed halls in the company of The Mummy, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Curse of the Demon, Day of the Jackal, The Exorcist, Watchmen, and of course, Night at the Museum itself.
BRITISH MUSEUM – TOUR #4: ANCIENT BRITAIN
A private guided tour of civilization’s hall of fame! The iconic British Museum was founded over 250 years ago in the academic heartland of London known as Bloomsbury. Recently remodelled, this independent institution prides itself on being the world’s first free public museum. Step into the Great Court and marvel at the magnificent glass roof. Below are the seven million objects that make up the greatest collection of antiquities in the world.
This tour concentrates on specifically British roots. Exhibits from all the ancients of these islands are represented including exquisite gold work from the neolithic people, Lindow Man from the Celtic era, the Battersea Shield from the Iron Age, the Vindolanda Tablets from Roman Britain, the Hinton St Mary Mosaic from Early Christian Britain, the Sutton Hoo Treasures from Anglo-Saxon times, and, courtesy of the Vikings, the Franks Casket and the Lewis Chessmen.
MUSEUM OF LONDON *** CURRENTLY CLOSED***
A Tale of One City. A private guided tour of this quiet museum in the heart of the City of London, which is a real hidden gem. Following a self-explanatory route through London’s History, the first exhibits tell the story of London from the prehistoric era through to ancient settlements. Then come the Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, all leaving their footprint on the capital. One particular highlight is a marble plaque from a Roman temple found in 2002 excavations. Dedicated to a Mr Celery, it features an early written form of the name London. The city has had its fair share of adversities, and the Black Death, the Great Fire of London and Blitz displays demonstrate the phoenix-like qualities of the great metropolis over the centuries. Most gruesome is the bloodstained waistcoat worn by King Charles I as he was beheaded in 1649. Many of the exhibits were discovered by the Museum of London’s own Archaeological service ‘MOLAS’.
*** CURRENTLY CLOSED***
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
A private guided tour of this 20th century museum of conflict and reconciliation. Here you will find some of the most poignant reminders of war, based, somewhat appropriately, in a former asylum. As you approach the main entrance you are welcomed by two vast Royal Navy 15-inch guns which were used to fire on the German beach defences in Normandy during the D-Day landings in June 1944. Inside, planes, tanks and other vehicles that actually saw action are on display. These include fighter planes such as the British Spitfire and US Mustang, British Churchill and US Sherman tanks. an original US Jeep, a German submarine, and a London bus that actually saw service during WWI. In addition, superb exhibitions reflect the brave experiences of soldiers & refugees alike. Experience the trenches of WWI or the bomb shelters of the London Blitz. There is a multitude of displays, an impressive art gallery and a fantastic shop to make your visit worthwhile.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
A private guided tour of Dinosaurs, Darwin & DNA! How’s this for a two-for-one offer? The story of life on earth AND a tour of an architectural masterpiece. This South Kensington museum was built on back of the success of the 1851 Great Exhibition, the first ever world fair held just half a mile away in Hyde Park. The Natural History Museum building was completed 30 years later in 1881 by Alfred Waterhouse. Apparently, according to the architectural experts, it is a perfect example of 12th century North German Neo-Romanesque! Inside, amazing earth galleries tell the story of the world’s origins and its fate, while the silent zoo of stuffed animals is truly awesome. In addition, incredibly lifelike animatronic dinosaurs will keep the kids quiet for a while! There is also a live ‘creepy-crawly’ area, plus reptile and bird displays too. Great for kids, fun and interactive. Hands-on Darwin Centre recently-opened. The Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum are nearby.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
A private guided tour of this South Kensington museum covering inventions, technology and the future. Themed display highlights include: ‘Modern World’: man’s most famous inventions; ‘Secret Life of the Home’: a fascinating display explaining how domestic gadgets and appliances work, such as the washing machine, toilet, fridge, thermostat, etc; ‘Challenge’: features environmental displays encouraging us to think green; ‘Flight’: superb displays of man’s attempt to conquer the air; ‘Launch Pad’: a physics experiment centre for kids of all ages; ‘Future’: a sinister darkened area where Science plays God in the form of genetic engineering and cloning. Creepy! Rail enthusiasts will get all steamy-eyed when they see the original locomotives Puffing Billy and Stephenson’s Rocket. Great for kids, fun and interactive. Loads of stuff for budding Einstein’s. The Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum are nearby.
VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
A private guided tour of this South Kensington museum known as the ‘nation’s handbag’. The ‘V&A’ museum was built on back of the success of the 1851 Great Exhibition, the first ever world fair held just half a mile away in Hyde Park, and named in honour of the patrons, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today it contains the biggest collection of decorative arts in the world and, to some extent, illustrates the story of the rich who seemed to have had far too much money to burn on furbelows, fripperies and follies. The British Galleries feature designs commissioned and made in Great Britain roughly from 1500 to 1800. These ‘Taste Britain’ highlights include the Great Bed of Ware, Henry VIII’s writing box and James II’s wedding suit. So much more besides. The well-stocked shop sells examples of decorative arts as well as books, stationery and souvenirs. The Science Museum and Natural History Museum are nearby.
NATIONAL GALLERY – TOUR #1: MASTERPIECES OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY
A private guided tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections. Attracting over three million visitors a year, the National Gallery forms a magnificent backdrop to Trafalgar Square and has been recently refurbished. Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerism are displayed in the West Wing, while the North Wing is a monument to Baroque and the Dutch masters. Rococo, revolution and romanticism is the theme of the East Wing, where we also find the Impressionists.
Our Masterpieces Tour is a good overall introduction. Generally regarded as the National Gallery’s greatest hits, your guide will showcase the following priceless paintings among others: Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, Holbein’s Ambassadors; Constable’s Haywain, Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. The paintings are covered mainly in chronological order to help show developments in style.
NATIONAL GALLERY – TOUR #2: DECODING THE RENAISSANCE
A private guided tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections. Attracting over three million visitors a year, the National Gallery forms a magnificent backdrop to Trafalgar Square and has been recently refurbished. Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerism are displayed in the West Wing, while the North Wing is a monument to Baroque and the Dutch masters. Rococo, revolution and romanticism is the theme of the East Wing, where we also find the Impressionists.
Our Decoding the Renaissance Tour explores hidden messages, secret symbols and mysterious meanings in paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Examining some of the greatest paintings from the Renaissance period, it includes priceless masters by Van Eyck, Botticelli and Holbein. The paintings are discussed mainly in chronological order to show developments in style.
NATIONAL GALLERY – TOUR #3: A BRITISH CANVAS
A private guided tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections. Attracting over three million visitors a year, the National Gallery forms a magnificent backdrop to Trafalgar Square and has been recently refurbished. Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerism are displayed in the West Wing, while the North Wing is a monument to Baroque and the Dutch masters. Rococo, revolution and romanticism is the theme of the East Wing, where we also find the Impressionists.
Our British Canvas Tour concentrates on specifically English artists, which are displayed mainly in the East Wing. Highlights include paintings from the medieval period, the Reformation, 18th century masters such as Reynolds, Stubbs and Gainsborough, and Romantic daubers such as Wright, Constable and Turner. The paintings are covered mainly in chronological order to help show developments in style.
NATIONAL GALLERY – TOUR #4: SUDDEN IMPACT
A private guided tour of one of the world’s greatest art collections. Attracting over three million visitors a year, the National Gallery forms a magnificent backdrop to Trafalgar Square and has been recently refurbished. Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerism are displayed in the West Wing, while the North Wing is a monument to Baroque and the Dutch masters. Rococo, revolution and romanticism is the theme of the East Wing, where we also find the Impressionists.
With our Sudden Impact Tour you will experience the simply stunning ‘wow’ factor of 10 heavyweight works of art including the Battle of San Romano, the Ambassadors, Whistlejacket and the Execution of Lady Jane Grey to name but a few. These paintings really pack a punch, and this tour is a real knockout! The paintings are covered mainly in chronological order to help show developments in style.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
A private guided tour of a historic picture gallery. Just behind the National Gallery near Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Galley is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the famous kings and queens of England, such as King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Here they are, in all their glory, and all under one roof. Hear the fascinating stories from the great royal dynastic houses: the Plantagenets, the Tudors, the Stuarts, the Hanoverians, the Saxe-Coburgs and the Windsors, as their portraits echo down the ages.
Other ‘celebrities’ from times past are also honoured. There’s Christopher Wren and Robert Adams, architects extraordinaire. There’s national miliatary heores, such as The Duke of Wellington, Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill. And there are modern portraits too, from the world of popular music, sport and entertainment.
TATE BRITAIN GALLERY
A private guided tour of the nation’s own art collection. On the north bank of the Thames stands this gallery, designed by Sidney Smith and founded in 1897 by Henry Tate, the magnate behind the sugar company, Tate and Lyle. In the main, it is a collection of mainly traditional British works up to the early 20th century. It includes the English Renaissance, Classicists and Pre-Raphaelites. However, there is some international art too. Just 15% of the rich and varied collection is on show at any one time. There is an early focus on portraits, later giving way to landscape, legends & history. Heavyweight highlights include the three great British Billies: William Hogarth (the most jingoistic of painters?), William Blake (the Cockney mystic) and William Turner, who bequeathed most of his collection to the nation and it is housed here, in the Clore Gallery. Plus, view the aquatic bints of Millais and Waterhouse and fill yourself with Bacon & Egg! That’s right… Francis Bacon and Augustus Egg!
TATE MODERN
A private guided tour of self-styled ‘Power House of Art’. London’s most popular free visitor attraction is housed on seven floors of a huge converted power station. It contains one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world, as well as shops, cafés, and a magnificent view of the Thames. ‘Isms’ is the name of the game here: The colourful Fauvism of Matisse, the dynamic Futurism of Boccioni, the threatening Vorticism of Jacob Epstein, the multi-faceted Cubism of Picasso, the dreamy Surrealism of Dali, the material Expressionism of Pollock, the cold Neo-realism of Frampton, the industrial Minimalism of Flavin. And all under the umbrella of ‘Modernism’ (the 20th century questioning of symbolism, naturalism and aestheticism). Be shocked by the new. Overcome your fear of the abstract. Or smile at the emperor’s new clothes. From Dali to Da-Da, or Picasso to Pop-Art, if modern art’s your cup of tea, you can drink it here to your heart’s content.