THERE’S AN ARTIST IN THE HOUSE: exploring the house museums of three London artists with Suzanne Bravery

This talk looks at the presentation of the houses of three artists usually open to visitors in the city of London. Leighton House is the former home and studio of leading Victorian artist, Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896) and Sambourne House, illustrating Victorian life, is the family home of legendary Punch illustrator Linley Sambourne (1844-1910).  Dennis Severs (1948-1999) House is a reconfiguration of a derelict Spitalfields house to tell the story of an imaginary Huguenot family who had lived there since 1724. In different ways, all three houses strongly reflect the creative ideals of their artistic owners. 

SUZANNE BRAVERY curated and managed house museums at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW (now Sydney Living Museums), including Elizabeth Bay House, Vaucluse House, Elizabeth Farm, Rouse Hill estate and Meroogal.  She managed the Grainger Museum at the University of Melbourne, and was a Head Curator at the National Museum of Australia.  Suzanne’s research interests include historic interiors, social history and conservation housekeeping.  This talk was inspired by visits to houses of artists, including these, and to explore what makes their narratives resonate with a contemporary visitor. 

This lecture is presented on-site at The Johnston Collection. Please see your ticket for details. 

This lecture is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust and The Friends of TJC 

Image: detail from the interior of the Dennis Severs’ House, London 

Photograph by Lucinda Douglas-Menzies, © artist and Dennis Severs’ House