We are very fortunate to visit the Collection and Rooms of the famed Garrick Club in London.

The Garrick Club was founded in 1831 and moved to its present premises in 1864; it houses the largest and most significant collection of British theatrical works of art with over 1000 paintings, drawings and pieces of sculpture on display. Artists represented in the collection include Johan Zoffany, Thomas Lawrence and John Everett Millais, whilst every British actor of note, from David Garrick to John Gielgud, can be found hanging on the Club walls. Many of the major literary, theatrical and artistic personalities of the last two centuries have been members, including Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, Henry Irving, W S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. It is still, of course, a “gentlemen only” club!

The tours are led by Miss Betty Beesley, who was for many years the Club's Secretary to the Works of Art Committee and has an extensive knowledge of the Club's history. The tour will also be accompanied by Mrs Frances Hughes, a NADFAS lecturer in Art and Theatre History, and will take in all the main rooms of the Club, where she will point out the highlights from the collection. Coffee/Tea and biscuits will then be served in the Morning Room. The tour ends with a visit to the Club's Theatrical Library, with its rich collection of theatrical books, plays, prints and manuscripts.

Access: There is a small lift (max four persons) to all floors of the Club, however please bear in mind that there are two short flights of steps to the ground floor from the street. Please also note that for much of the tour visitors will be standing.

Location: The Club is located on Garrick Street in Covent Garden. Nearest tube is Leicester Square. (Piccadilly/Northern Lines)