The Arts Society Welwyn Garden visit to Leighton House

At the beginning of November a group of us visited the newly refurbished Leighton House. We moved from the bright modern entrance and shop into the original house, built by Lord Leighton to house his collection of art, entertain, work and lastly to live in, and as we learnt from our excellent guide, it was very much that way.

This is really brought home to you when you stand in his small modest bedroom, the only one in the house, and then walk across the landing to the vast studio. The house was only ever lived in by Leighton and not surprisingly didn’t sell after his death, although his furniture and paintings did. However, the Trust has been able to buy back some items and has had some wonderful replicas of major pieces reproduced, so as you walk through the house you really get a feel for the man, and his complete devotion to the Arts.