Join us for our March lecture which celebrates the 400th Anniversary of Charles I’s accession to the throne in 1625.
Charles I’s obsession for collecting works of art began when the 24-year-old became King in 1625. During his reign he not only amassed an unparalleled collection of works by Renaissance masters, he also commissioned works by some of the most important artists of the time such as Van Dyck, and Orazio Gentileschi. He also engaged Rubens to paint the ceiling of the Banqueting House and Van Dyck was appointed as his Court Artist.
In total, he amassed around 2,000 works of art during his reign. But in amassing his great collection he bankrupted England and alienated his people. After the civil war and his beheading, his collection represented all that the Puritans hated about his reign.
However, without King Charles I’s passion for collecting, we would not have the Royal Collection, the largest privately-owned art collection in the world; without King Charles II we would have lost the magnificent collection his father had amassed. King Charles III is the owner of the Royal Collection today.
Our speaker is Dr Mattew Morgan, art historian, educator and museum professional. As Museum Director, he ran Turner’s House in Twickenham. He has contributed to TV documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and made short films about paintings which can be seen on YouTube.
Dr Morgan will be talking through Charles I’s journey through collecting his massive collection and the significance of the works.
The event will be held on Thursday March 13 2025 at 10:30am at The Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot.
Guests are welcome. To purchase tickets contact Kate at: [email protected].