Dining Room, Sambourne House © RBKC. Image Jaron James
Join us for a very special private visit of Leighton House and Sambourne House in London on 02 September, 11.30am – 4pm.
This is an opportunity for photographers to have private access to these magnificent museum homes, take photographs, contribute to an online feature (which will promote your work to over 500,000/pa) and spend the day with like-minded people, making connections in inspiring locations.
Tucked away in Holland Park, Leighton House and Sambourne House stand as the extraordinary legacies left by Victorian artists Frederic Lord Leighton (1830-1896) and Edward Linley Sambourne (1844 -1910).
Leighton and Sambourne lived as neighbours for over 20 years, with the former the most prominent artist of his day and the latter as Chief Cartoonist for infamous satirical magazine Punch. Their similar aesthetic tastes were reflected in the furnishing of their homes, both filled with sculpture, blue and white ceramics and glassware.
In the present day, Leighton House is unique among London museums in combining an exceptional collection of Victorian art with the intimacy of a private home. The Museum, finalist of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023, has recently completed a major redevelopment which has provided additional gallery space, a new café, improved facilities and a dedicated learning centre. Both the restored wing and the historic house are now step-free access and interconnected thanks to a lift and a spectacular helical staircase, decorated with a hand-painted contemporary mural.
Down the street at 18 Stafford Terrace, Sambourne House provides a rare example of Victorian ‘Aesthetic Interior’ or ‘House Beautiful’ style. Highlights include Japanese, Middle-Eastern and Chinese ceramics, exquisite stained glass, William Morris wallpapers and a selection of Sambourne’s own photography and illustration.
We’ll meet and begin our exploration at Leighton House, break for lunch, and then spend the rest of the afternoon at Sambourne House, a short walk down the road.
We’re working to support photographers in gaining access and opportunities to connect and promote their work.
It’s totally free to attend, but spaces are limited. If you’d like to join us, please let us know why you’d like to come along and how you feel you could benefit from the opportunity via this application form before Friday 15 August 2025. Please don’t apply if you are not able to come to the event.
Shutter Hub Meet Up – Leighton House and Sambourne House
11.30 – 4pm, 02 September 2025
Leighton House
12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ
Sambourne House
18 Stafford Terrace, London W8 7BH
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