Preface

This catalogue represents a great step forward for Orleans House Gallery, as much as it does specifically for the Borough Art Collection.  Our recent progress will gain momentum in the next few years, helping to promote knowledge and understanding of this unique collection.

It is particularly apt that this catalogue will be published in 2002, the fortieth anniversary of the Ionides Bequeath and thirtieth anniversary of Orleans House Gallery.  It is also the centenary of the passing of the Act that saved the view from Richmond Hill.  The Rt. Hon. Mrs Ionides also helped with the continuing preservation of the view by purchasing and protecting the gallery and Riverside Gardens site.

Increasing knowledge and understanding of the permanent collection is a key aim and this catalogue helps us to meet our core objective.  Education is at the heart of the gallery's work and we will continue to make full use of the collection as an educational resource in the years to come.

Since 1962 the Richmond Borough Art Collection, cared for by Orleans House Gallery, has grown to encompass over 2,100 oil paintings, water colours, drawings, prints, photographs and objects.  The aim of this catalogue of "highlights" is to present an overview of the collection in an informative, attractive, affordable and accessible manner, introducing the collection to a wider audience.

In selecting the works, the aim has been to convey the breadth and scope of the collection by include a range of artists, subjects, media, periods and bequests.  Alongside the better-known artists, works by less well known amateur artists have been included.

The majority of the works in the collection depict the Richmond and Twickenham riverside