Kenwood House: a day full of art, nature and history (Perihan Dönertaş, Türkiye, ITP 2025)
Written by Dr. Perihan Dönertaş, Archaeologist, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Directorate for Cultural Heritage and Museums (Türkiye, ITP 2025)
I’ve been in London for about five weeks now, as part of the International Training Programme (ITP), working alongside experts from all around the world. Being a part of this prestigious programme is a great source of pride for me. Collaborating with professionals from diverse cultures is both inspiring and intellectually enriching.
This afternoon we made a visit to Kenwood House. With the participation of dear Claire, George, and Amelia, we all set off together by bus from Shafer House. After a journey of about half an hour heading north of London, we arrived at this elegant mansion nestled in the lush greenery of Hampstead Heath. Managed by English Heritage, the property is always open to the public free of charge, except for some special exhibitions that require a ticket.
Located in the heart of the city, yet away from its hustle and bustle, this unique structure welcomed us with its impressive Ionic columns. Its grand entrance, reminiscent of a temple, seemed to say, “My home is my temple.”
In front of the mansion, we were greeted by the graceful and knowledgeable Frances Carey. Before the tour began, she gave us a brief introduction about the history of Kenwood House.
Now serving as an art gallery, the building dates back to the 17th century – almost 400 years ago. Originally built as a simple brick country house, it changed hands over time and was gradually developed. Its most significant transformation came in the 1760s when it was purchased by William Murray (Lord Mansfield), one of the leading jurists of the time. Lord Mansfield commissioned the renowned architect Robert Adam and his brother to transform the house. The Adam brothers not only shaped its architecture but also turned the interior into a true work of art.
The mansion has two floors. While its exterior resembles an official public building, stepping inside reveals a completely different atmosphere. At the entrance, dominated by blue and white tones, we were welcomed by stunning oil paintings and intricately crafted ceiling decorations.
After entering, we turned left and passed through a spacious gallery before reaching one of the most striking parts of the house – the dining room. The openness of the gallery evokes a sense of anticipation, as if preparing you for a meal.
Unlike the other rooms on the first floor, the dining room is adorned with rich, appetite-stimulating shades of deep red. In this hall, you can see paintings by masters such as Rembrandt and Anthony van Dyck. In fact, Rembrandt’s self-portrait is also on display.
The most impressive room in the house is undoubtedly the library. The Ionic columns at the entrance give way to Corinthian-style columns in this room. Dominated by shades of blue and pink, this magnificent room replaces oil paintings with murals depicting mythological and historical scenes.
One particular scene that caught my attention was that of Zeus, disguised as a bull, abducting Europa.
At first glance, the colorful and detailed decoration may remind one of a birthday cake or a dollhouse, perhaps reflecting the Mansfield family’s longing for children. Lord and Lady Mansfield had no biological children but adopted. One of these children was Dido Elizabeth Belle, of African descent. She received an excellent education, and her portraits can be seen in many parts of the house.
In addition to paintings, the mansion also features sculptures from the 1700s that depict mythological and historical figures such as Zeus, Hermes, and Homer.
The second floor of the mansion is reached by a staircase with elegant blue-painted railings. Upon arriving upstairs, a more formal and solemn atmosphere greets you. Dominated by red and gold tones, this floor displays full-length oil portraits of English aristocrats, allowing you to truly feel the grandeur of the era.
At the end of the visit, the gift shop at Kenwood House offers a chance to pick up some memorable souvenirs.
Following our tour of Kenwood House, we set off on a walk to Ms. Frances Carey’s home, about half an hour away, upon her kind invitation. Along the way, we had the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Hampstead Heath – its ponds and the people basking in the lovely sunny weather. Families spending their weekends here with picnics and walks reinforce the fact that Kenwood House is not just an art gallery, but also a vibrant living space.
When we arrived at Ms. Frances Carey’s home, we were welcomed by a stunning garden, delicious treats, and warm hospitality. With good conversation, sweet desserts, and a strong sense of team spirit, this lovely gathering was the perfect way to end such a beautiful day.