Built for the first Earl Spencer between 1756 and 1766, Spencer House is a rare survival of the eighteenth-century aristocratic city mansion.  In 1985 the building was leased by RIT Capital Partners plc and an ambitious ten-year restoration project was carried out under the chairmanship of Lord Rothschild.  Today, the spectacular State Rooms are furnished with an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and furniture, the latter including both replica and original examples of pieces designed for the house by its architects, John Vardy and James 'Athenian' Stuart (generously loaned by the V&A and Leeds Museums & Galleries).  Other important designers and makers represented in the collection include William Chambers, John Yenn, Adam Weisweiler, John Cobb and Mayhew and Ince.

Our visit will be led by Victoria Wilson, Collections Manager and Michael Shrive, Assistant Curator of Decorative Arts at Waddesdon Manor and FHS Events Committee Member.

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Detail of one of the settees from the Painted Room, c. 1760, designed by James 'Athenian' Stuart, on loan from the V&A, © Victoria & Albert Museum, London.  Photograph by Paul Highnam, 2022