SAMBOURNE & LEIGHTON HOUSES - 3RD DECEMBER
Sambourne house:
On the final day of our Twinning Event a group of us gathered to commence our Victorian house tour at Sambourne House, the former home of renowned illustrator and photographer Edward Linley Sambourne (1844-1910). Although he worked principally for Punch, the satirical magazine, during his career, he also illustrated books including The Real Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by F.C. Burnand and The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley. Linley and his wife Marion moved to Sambourne House at 18 Stafford Terrace, London, in 1874 and remained there for the rest of their lives.
Our guided tour would take us through the house and up the many staircases, introducing us to a unique museum. If the Sambourne’s stepped through their front door today they would feel totally at home, with everything left almost as they had left it. Linley’s home is a veritable time capsule of a Victorian family aspiring to be part of the Holland Park circle of artists - the group who built homes and studios in this fashionable area in the late 19th century.
The house is a stunning example of a ‘House Beautiful’, aesthetically designed in rebellion against mass production, elevating the status of furniture and furnishings to works of art. There are so many wonderful things to see from stained glass windows, fine ceramics, drawings from Punch magazine, an extensive photographic archive showing how Linley created his cartoons, along with Morris & Co wallpaper, Japanese, Chinese and Middle Eastern objects and many furnishings and hand crafted furniture. It is absolutely packed to the gunnels! Our experience was made all the better with our most knowledgeable guide.
By the time we had to depart many of us felt that we had so much more to see and learn however our next destination beckoned, Leighton House.
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Leighton house:
At the end of our Sambourne tour we made our way over in the winter sunshine to Leighton House. This purpose-built studio house was designed and built in 1865-66 by George Aitchinson RA for his friend, the great Victorian artist (and later President of the Royal Academy) Frederick, Lord Leighton, who was keen to promote the idea that painting could be seen as a respectable gentlemanly profession. It is another absolute undiscovered treasure! This was no ‘struggling artist’ residence but one filled with extravagant decor and artefacts from across the globe. Although the initial design was a modest residence, Leighton continued to extend the building creating the present day house.
As we were led through this beautiful home with quirky architectural details, we learnt that the house was very much designed not only to house his studio but also to be a showcase for his extensive art collection which includes works by George Frederick Watts, Burne-Jones, Millais, Corot and Lawrence Alma-Tadema. We saw a Rembrandt etching, a Tintoretto and the most magnificent Murano chandelier! What’s more the house is home to a very fine stuffed peacock which echoes the colours of its environment. He sits in the stairwell under a large scale reproduction of Michelangelo’s famous ‘Creation of Adam’. It was also such a privilege to see the prevalence of Leighton’s work which included over 80 paintings, notebooks, sketches, prints and watercolours.
We were fascinated by the three working fireplaces which are all situated beneath a window! The smoke from the fires was extracted via horizontal flues which are cleverly hidden beneath the windowsills. For many of us the highlight would be the extraordinary 2-storey Arab Hall, completed in 1881. This is breath-takingly beautiful and illustrates Leighton’s fascination with the Middle East. It displays his collection of 16th and 17th century Damascus tiles exceptionally, with mosaic floors and friezes which glimmer under a gorgeous gold guilded dome. The Hall is completed with a trickling fountain which used to house fish.
By the time we said our goodbyes we could all agree with Queen Victoria, “His house and studio charmed me immensely.”
TURNER & CONSTABLE - 3RD DECEMBER
Whilst a group from our two Clubs were exploring Sambourne and Leighton Houses, another group met at Tate Britain ending our Paris - London Twinning with a first major exhibition celebrating the 250th birthday of anniversary years of MMW Turner (1775-1851) and John Constable (1776-1831). These painters are two of Britain’s most revered landscape artists.
Thanks to our informative guide’s commentary we learnt more about their respective personalities and how they each challenged artistic conventions of their time. This magnificent exhibition traces the development of their careers in parallel. It also reveals the ways they were celebrated, criticised and pitted against one another, as well as moments when their work impacted on each other. Art history loves a rival! The London Magazine stated in 1829: “Mr Constable’s works present no stronger contrast…..than they do with Mr Turner’s…..the first is all truth, the last is all poetry: the one is silver, the other gold.”
During the tour of this definitive exhibition, with over 170 paintings and works on paper, we saw many highlights including Turner’s momentous ‘The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons’ (1835) which has not been seen in Britain for over a 100 years and ‘The White Horse’ (1819), one of Constable’s greatest artistic achievements.
Their innovations raised the bar for landscape painting and left a lasting legacy, some of which we were able to enjoy together as we experienced this once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the careers of Britain’s greatest landscape artists, side by side.
GALA DINNER - 1ST DECEMBER
On the first of December 2025, the London Club and the Paris Club of the International Association of Lyceum Clubs (IALC) met in London for a Gala Reception and Dinner to celebrate the formal twinning of the two clubs. This major milestone is a significant event in the history of two of the oldest clubs in the IALC.
Festivities for the Gala Reception and Dinner were held in the elegant surroundings of the Princess Marie Louise room and adjoining salon at the Oxford and Cambridge Club along Pall Mall in London. Members gathered for a delightful reception then enjoyed a
festive dinner of classic British holiday cuisine.
Over the course of the dinner, welcome speeches were given by Lauriane Bradford, President of the London Club, and Pascale Anderson Mair, president of the Paris Club. All guests witnessed the official twinning document signed by the two presidents of the clubs. Further speeches included a commemorative poem and reciprocal thanks celebrating the gathering together for the twinning, the warm hospitality extended to all.
Both London and Paris Clubs look forward to future twinning events.
Credit Photo: Colette Hewitt
JAPONISME TALK - 18TH NOVEMBER
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The Japonisme lecture was held in collaboration with the International
Lyceum Club of London and the SOAS Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma Students in Asian Art. It was delivered by Dr Monika Hinkel, a distinguished lecturer and curator in the field of Japanese Art, specialising in Japanese wood-block prints.
The term Japonisme was coined by the French critic Philippe Burty in 1872 and describes the significant influence of Japanese art and design on Western European fine and decorative arts during the latter half of the 19th century, particularly after Japan reopened trade in the 1850s.
It was fascinating to explore the development of Japonisme across time. In the 19th century, Japan was seen as an exotic fantasy, an artistic escape, and a luxury object. In the early 20th century, Modernism transformed Japanese ideas into new visual languages. In the late 20th century, Japan and the West co-created hybrid forms (anime, fashion, architecture). In the 21st century, Japonisme has become global, multidirectional, and digital.
More to read about this lecture in the next issue of 'The Lyceum' magazine (February 2026)
CANADIAN WINE TASTING - 11TH NOVEMBER
Lyceum members were transported to the Okanagan wine region of British Columbia in Canada for a social evening of wine tasting.
Viticulture enthusiast and Canadian, Eleanor Graham, led us through a selection of bubbles, reds, whites, and an ice wine from various vineyards in the Okanagan Valley. Alongside cheese and charcuterie with the wines, we also sampled tasty snacks and sweet treats specific to Canada. Everyone enjoyed a fun evening of wines and goodies from a unique and special part of Canada.
FAREWELLS AND TRIUMPHS - 8TH NOVEMBER
To the beat of the drum, the Choir of New College, Oxford, resplendent in their red cassocks, made a solemn entrance, walking up the nave of Smith Square Hall towards the Louise-Marguerite Ensemble, Versailles. This meticulously prepared concert is the result of a magnificent collaboration between two renowned ensembles in their respective countries. Through a programme skillfully designed to highlight the musical and technical differences between French and English Baroque music, transcending three generations of chorists, it was also a precious moment of Entente Cordiale. Entitled ‘Royal Farewells and Triumphs’, and conducted by Gaétan Jarry and Robert Quinney, the performance included works by Purcell, Lalande, and concluded beautifully with Charpentier’s Te Deum. An exceptional evening for our members and friends!
FREEMASONS' HALL GUIDED TOUR - 25TH OCTOBER
Following a friendly pub lunch in the upstairs area of The Marlborough pub, we walked the short distance to the Freemasons Hall. Our knowledgeable guide sparked significant interest among our members and was bombarded with questions about freemasonry. Let’s delve into a few of the answers.
Freemasonry evolved from the medieval guilds of stonemasons, they had their own rules , rituals and secret signs to identify members. The first Grand Lodge was founded in 1717 in London, when four existing lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard. From London, Freemasonry expanded throughout the British Isles and later internationally. The purpose was to provide a system of moral and ethical teachings, personal development and fraternity using the symbols and tools of stonemasonry as allegorical lessons. Its core values are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service, complemented by a commitment to charity. In 2024, The United Grand Lodge of England raised £15 million for charitable causes.
Many distinguished historical figures were Freemasons, including Sir Christopher Wren, Sir Alexander Fleming, Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Winston Churchill etc. The current Grand Master is HRH The Duke of Kent.
Replacing an earlier 18thcentury hall , the striking Art Deco building is a Grade II listed building, one of the finest examples in the UK. It was completed in 1933 to host meetings and events, from conferences to gala dinners, fashion shows and filming (Spectre -2015, Sherlock Holmes -2009, Doctor Strange -2 022 etc. It serves as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge Of England and a meeting place for numerous masonic lodge.
One of the most striking Art Deco features is the Grand Temple’s bronze doors and geometric friezes creating a dramatic and iconic entrance. Integrated into ceilings, murals and decorative motifs, the Hall is rich with masonic symbols like the square and compass (representing the balance between spiritual and earthly life), the all-seeing eye (The “Great Architect of the Universe”) and the columns (representing strength, stability and wisdom).
A tour of the Hall is highly recommended for anyone interested in Art Deco architecture and Freemasonry.
credit photos: Colette Hewitt & Ana Preocanin
RICHMOND TO TWICKENHAM WALK - 18TH OCTOBER
On a comfortable and dry October Saturday morning, a group of us assembled outside Richmond station for the start of a walk to Twickenham. The station underwent a major refurbishment between 2023 and 2025, restoring many of its historic Art Deco features. Today we would also have the pleasure of the company of a four legged friend, Tilly.
We made our way initially over to Richmond Green, which has been an important open space since the Middle Ages when it hosted jousting competitions. Many fine old houses, the central library and the famous Richmond Theatre surround the Green today and the remnants of Richmond Palace can be seen on one side, where we were to head next. Richmond Green is also known as Ted Lasso's neighbourhood park!
Richmond Palace was a Tudor royal residence built by King Henry VII in 1501 on the site of the old Sheen Palace. It was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, who died there in 1603, and remained a royal home until the execution of Charles I in 1649. The palace was demolished over the following years, with only a few parts, such as the gatehouse, and a lovely row of terraced homes remaining today.
Meandering along the river we soon climbed up to Richmond Terrace to take in the celebrated view of the vale of the Thames from the summit. It has long been the inspiration of writers and artists, both native and foreign.
Richmond Park beckoned next and King Henry’s mound. This is actually a prehistoric burial chamber from the Bronze Age and later was used as a viewpoint for hunting and falconry. It is thought that King Henry VIII stood in this very spot when hunting. It now offers fabulous panoramic views of the Thames Valley to the west and distant view of St. Paul's Cathedral to the east. Interestingly the St. Paul's view has been faithfully preserved by generations of landscapers who have created a tree-framed sightline from the mound to the dome. The view is now protected and no new building is allowed to impede it. As the day was pretty clear we were able to glimpse the cathedral without the use of the telescope which is on hand.
Soon we were standing at Pembroke Lodge, a magnificent listed Georgian Mansion set in 13 acres of landscaped grounds. It is situated at the highest point in Richmond Park with spectacular views over the Thames Valley to the west. It offers classic and contemporary English refreshments in elegant Georgian Tea Rooms. Since it was an autumnal day many guests were sitting on the outside terrace, enjoying hot drinks, sandwiches and scones. We didn’t stop but carried on, mindful of our lunch table.
A winding path led us out onto the final slope down towards Petersham Nurseries where we popped our heads in briefly before taking the narrow alleyway through to the Thames. Crossing the river on the Hammerton Ferry the boatman took us a little further so that we could get a view of Ham House, a magnificent 17th century Stuart house, containing a unique collection of cabinets and artwork. It is now a National Trust property.
After a very quick crossing we disembarked and enjoyed the Twickenham riverside for the remainder of our walk. We peered into Orleans Gardens, then made our way into Fountain Gardens to admire the absolutely magnificent fountain installed there. The Naked Ladies are a Grade II statue complex on a rockery and water cascade in the gardens of York House. They were carved in the fin de siècle style from white Carrara marble and probably came from Italy in the late nineteenth century or very early twentieth century. They were brought to their current location by Sir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata who bought York House from Prince Phillip, the Duke of Orléons, in 1906. By the end of 1909 he had had the Riverside gardens redesigned in the Italian style and the statues installed.
We completed our autumn walk in historic Church Street. This took its name from St Mary’s Church over 500 years ago and was the main street linking travellers between Richmond and the West. When Richmond Bridge was built in 1777, York Street became the main through route. Today Church Street remains a perfect street for shopping with many unique shops and places to eat out. We stopped for a delicious Italian lunch and a further catch up, before heading our separate ways home. What a lovely walk!
ACOSTA DANZA - 23RD SEPTEMBER
On a somewhat chillier September evening a small group of us were fortunate enough to celebrate 10 years of Acosta Danza with a slice of Havana in London through ‘A Decade in Motion’.
Carlos Acosta was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1973 and following a late but dazzling start in ballet at the age of 9, he became the English National Ballet’s youngest ever principal dancer, at 18. He went on to join the Royal Ballet in London in 1998, where he became a firm audience favourite. In 2016 he founded his company, Acosta Danza following his retirement from The Royal Ballet two years earlier.
Acosta Danza has spent a decade cultivating Cuba’s emerging dance talent, blending classical and contemporary techniques to create a distinctive repertory rooted in the island’s rich history and culture. Since its inception, the company has pushed artistic boundaries, fostering innovative dancers who redefine the possibilities of movement whilst simultaneously celebrating Cuban identity.
The celebratory programme at Sadler’s Wells opened with renown Cuban choreographer George Céspedes’s ‘La Ecuación’ (“the equation”). Céspedes has created his own style of social dance which embraces Cuban flair alongside a mathematical precision.
98 Días (98 Days) followed, by Olivier Award winning Spanish Venezuelan choreographer Javier de Frutos, and was set in 1920s Cuba, inspired by the life of Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. The poet found himself so enchanted by Cuba that a short visit turned into the happiest 98 days of his life. This vibrant work captured how it feels to fall in love with a place far from home.
We were then treated to Llamada (Gesture) which was created for Acosta Danza in 2023 by acclaimed Spanish choreographer Goyo Montero. Federico García Lorca is also the source of inspiration for this piece, which draws on his poem “Ode to Walt Whitman” and explores sexuality, rage and faith.
Finally De Punta a Cabo (From end to end) by Alexis Fernández and Yaday Ponce, performed by the entire ensemble, closed the evening. The piece is set against the Malecón esplanade – an iconic five miles stretch featuring landmarks of Cuba’s architecture along the Havana coast. De Punta a Cabo showcased the breadth and variety of Cuban dance culture, from classical dance to salsa, on pointe shoes and with bare feet.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening which was generous in spirit, explosive, full of charisma and very absorbing.
HAMPSTEAD WALK - 13TH SEPTEMBER
The first of our autumnal walks began at Hampstead underground station where we gathered on a bright blue sky morning. We were about to explore one of London’s best known and loved open spaces, Hampstead Heath. At 320 hectares it is a beautiful landscape which has proved attractive to many artists including John Constable. On this Saturday morning we would find it filled with many people enjoying the scenery and fresh air, the many varied paths and the pretty bathing ponds.
We firstly made our way to No. 2 Willow Rd, a building considered one of the most important Modernist houses in Britain, built by Ernö Goldfinger in 1937-9. It was not appreciated by everyone at the time. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, objected and took revenge by naming one of his principal villains after the architect!
In minutes we were skirting one of the first of a number of attractive Hampstead ponds, which reflect the Heath’s early use as a water supply for London. We passed the Mixed Bathing Pond before ascending Parliament Hill, the summit of which gave us views over London and up to Highgate. We were soon skirting the Men’s Bathing Pond and leaving the Heath via Merton Lane then climbing up to Witanhurst, the largest private home in London, built for the soap magnate Sir Arthur Crossfield in 1913.
We then explored Waterlow Park, with a view of Highgate cemetery before making our way to Kenwood House where we enjoyed a bite to eat. After a lovely pause we continued our walk past Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Monolith-Empyrean’ before entering winding woodland paths. A short shower did not deter us. We took in the squat memorial to the 1987 hurricane, enjoyed the picturesque view from Viaduct Bridge, passed an ice-house and eventually ascended steps to Jack Straw’s Castle, one of Hampstead’s most famous pubs.
After a short walk past Whitestone Pond and into Hampstead Grove, lined with many fine houses and then up Flask Walk, we were soon back at the start of this enchanting walk.
A wonderful start to the weekend with a catch up with friends from our Lyceum family!
WESTMINSTER ABBEY EVENING TOUR - 21ST JUNE
The Purcell Club’s evening tour of Westminster Abbey gave us a unique and intimate experience of one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Held just once a month, these after-hours tours take place in the serene quiet of the Abbey once it has closed to the public, allowing us to explore its ancient spaces in a more reflective and atmospheric setting. Members of the Purcell Club, a vocal ensemble of former Abbey choristers, give their services in order to put on these tours and all the profits from ticket sales go to the support the Abbey and a range of small charities.
We started our tour by assembling in the Cloisters for a warm welcome by a member of the Purcell Club and took seats in the Nave where the first piece of sacred music was sung. Our very knowledgeable speaker described the history and architecture of the Abbey in some detail moving from one location of interest to the next, including the Quire (with its beautifully carved wooden stalls where the choir and clergy sit), the Sacrarium, High Altar, and Cosmati Pavement where monarchs are crowned (the Cosmati pavement is a medieval mosaic floor dating back to 1268), St Edward the Confessor’s Shrine (who started rebuilding the Abbey between 1042 and 1052 ), Henry VII’s Chapel (it is the Chapel of the Order of the Bath with its impressive knights’ banners hanging over the stalls and its magnificent fan vaulted ceilings) and finally Poets’ Corner (the final resting place of Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, to name but a few). At various points there was a pause for members of the Purcell Club to sing suitable musical pieces ranging from 16th to 21st century. On returning to the Nave for the final part of the tour, a short piece was played by one of the abbey organists to demonstrate the Abbey’s magnificent organ installed for the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
What made this tour truly special was the addition of live sacred music. The music resonated beautifully through the Abbey’s stone arches, transforming the tour into a spiritual and sensory journey unlike any other.
