What is it?
These two neighbouring studio homes in Holland have been paired together under the ownership of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Each represents the physical legacy left by two ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era – painter Frederic Lord Leighton and cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne.
In the 1860s, Lord Frederic Leighton commissioned his friend, architect George Aitcheson, to build him a house in Holland Park to house his extensive collection of antiquities and artworks. Here, he stashed all his classical acquisitions, as well as his own art and that of his contemporaries. Venture inside, and you’ll find the very model of nineteenth-century opulence. There are occasional events, including music recitals in Leighton’s gorgeous upper-floor studio. Punch cartoonist and artist Edward Linley Sambourne lived in the neighbouring house with his family from 1875. It’s the very epitome of genteel, well-heeled Victorian middle-class living (ironic, given that Sambourne also took some pretty explicit nood photographs). Within two years of living here, an inventory found that Sambourne had collected over 50 vases, 70 chairs and around 700 framed pictures.
Why go?
Both Leighton and Sambourne treated their homes as pieces of art in themselves. Incredibly well-preserved, both are packed with gorgeous decor and countless masterpieces. Leighton House’s turquoise Arab Hall is a particularly impressive site to behold, as is Sambourne’s collection of stained glass windows.
Don’t miss
Leighton House holds regular artsy workshops, from relaxed monthly life drawing to classes on creating your own topical zine.
When to visit
Leighton House is open Wednesdays to Mondays 10am to 5.30pm. Sambourne House opens Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5.30pm. Last entry is 4.30pm.
Ticket info
Leighton House: adults £14, over 65’s £13, concessions (visitors aged 18-25, full-time students, visitors with disabilities, job seekers) £9, children 6-18 years £5.
Sambourne House: adults £12, over 65’s £11, concessions £9, children 6-18 years £5.
Joint tickets: adults £22, over 65’s £20, concessions £14, children 6-18 years £8.
Time Out tip
Leighton House offers a pay what you want visit on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 1pm.