The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art opened in 1998 in a beautiful Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse which was restored with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Recent renovations have expanded the bookshop and café while the gallery has been completely updated to make it more spacious and accessible. The Collection is renowned
internationally for its Futurist works by artists such as Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carrà and Luigi Russolo. The museum also features artists not associated with the Futurist movement, including works by Amedeo Modigliani, famous for his graceful and elongated figures. A variety of sculptors are shown in the collection, including Medardo Rosso, whose sculpture Impressions of the Boulevard: Woman with a Veil (1893) is the earliest work held at the Estorick.
The exhibition programme aims to address Italian artists and movements in a way that broadens our understanding of Italian art and culture. The most recent major exhibition Giorgio Morandi: Masterpieces from the Magnani-Rocca Foundation marks the 25th anniversary of the Estorick’s opening. This much-loved Italian artist specialised in still lifes depicting simple subjects, mainly vases, bottles, bowls, flowers and landscapes. The exhibition is unique as it’s the first time the entire collection of artworks by Morandi from the Magnani-Rocca Foundation will be shown in the UK. With the exhibition closing on 28May, be sure to catch it before it closes as there are many rare works to see, including a Morandi self-portrait.
The café is also a must to visit, whether that is before or after your viewing of the collection. It’s a relaxing environment to enjoy authentic Italian food and drink, such as its tasty aubergine parmigiana followed by handmade biscotti and an espresso.
There is a range of exciting events happening regularly at the Estorick, such as life drawing classes and late Thursdays, when the current exhibition and café stay open till 8pm – a lovely thing to do after work. More details can be found on its events page: https://www.estorickcollection.com/events
Opening times:
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11.00-18.00
Thursday: 11.00-20.00
Friday: 11.00-18.00
Saturday: 11.00-18.00
Sunday: 12.00-17.00
Prices:
Adult: £7.50
Concessions: £5.50
National Art Pass: £3.75
Free entry to Estorick Collection members, under 18s and full-time students with valid NUS ID card.
39A Canonbury Square, London N1 2AN; estorickcollection.com
By Scarlet Bailey Tait. Scarlet is based in London and specialises in writing about art
