Background Information

Set in leafy grounds beside Hampstead Heath, this outstanding house was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 and 1779. He transformed the original brick building into a majestic villa for the great judge, Lord Mansfield. The richly decorated library is one of Adam's great masterpieces, a feast for the eyes.

Brewing magnate Edward Cecil Guinness, first Earl of Iveagh, bought Kenwood House and estate in 1925.When he died in 1927, he bequeathed the house, estate and part of his collection of pictures to the nation. The Iveagh Bequest includes important paintings by many great artists, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough. Recently they have been joined by Constable's oil sketch Hampstead Heath. The paintings beautifully complement Kenwood's sumptuous interiors.

The first floor displays a very different array of paintings. The Suffolk Collection of 41 paintings, predominantly family portraits was passed down through the Suffolk and Berkshire families from the 1580s. It was given to the nation in 1974 by the Hon. Mrs Greville Howard, following the wishes of her mother-in-law the 11th Countess of Suffolk, who died in 1968. Particularly rich in sumptuous costume and textile detail, it includes magnificent full length portraits of extravagantly dressed Elizabethan and Stuart ladies and noblemen, by William Larkin,Van Dyck and Lely, as well as paintings of Sir Thomas More, King Charles I and James II. To celebrate the publication of a new picture catalogue, we invite you to come to Kenwood to view this wonderful collection.

Visitors can also view recent purchases from a sale of objects from Scone Palace, the Mansfields' Scottish home. This was a rare opportunity to return Mansfield family items and furnishings of the 18th and 19th centuries to Kenwood. These include silver tableware, four chairs in the Chinese Chippendale style and a family portrait by Sir Peter Lely.

The parkland surrounding Kenwood was particularly influenced by the great English landscape gardener, Humphry Repton. Set high on a hill, the views of London from these tranquil grounds are stunning. Visitors can also enjoy the lakeside walks and meandering woodland paths.

Most of the grounds are accessible by gravel path and grass, but wheelchair users will need strong pushers to manage the slopes.

A variety of guided tours are available for a small charge: please call the house for details.