Discover Sudley House in Liverpool
Sudley House is a ‘living museum’ in the suburbs of southern Liverpool. It was acquired by an avid art collector in 1883 and became the canvas for his remarkable collections. After its bequeathal to the city of Liverpool by the collector’s daughter, it came under the management of National Museums Liverpool and was opened to the public.
Today, the Sudley House is an enchanting vision of Victorian society and the showstoppers that were lovingly collected by the former owner. Visitors can admire the exquisite works of art, including masterpieces by renowned Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Rossetti, Holman Hunt, and Millais.
The History of Sudley House
Early History
In 1821 Liverpool corn merchant Nicholas Robinson commissioned the construction of Sudley House on land purchased from the Tarleton family. Designed by architect John Whiteside Casson, Sudley House was completed in 1824 as a two-storey ashlar house for Robinson.
Upon Robinson's passing in 1854, Sudley House passed to his daughters Cicely and Ellen. However, by 1882, the house was sold to George Holt, a prominent shipping-line owner and merchant, for £22,000.
George Holt: A Collector's Legacy
George Holt was not only a successful cotton broker but also a passionate art collector. After moving to Sudley House in 1884, this passion blossomed and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause. His collection contains many masterpieces such as J. M. W. Turner's "Rosenau" and Gainsborough's "Viscountess Folkestone". Alongside works by famous artists like Richard Parkes Bonington, Edwin Landseer, and John Everett Millais.
Holt's dedication to collecting emphasised themes of religious devotion, honest labour, and everyday life. This attention to detail extended beyond the artworks themselves, as Holt paid careful consideration to their presentation, framing, and placement within Sudley House.
The Evolution of Sudley House
Holt's keen eye for art extended beyond paintings to the very fabric of Sudley House itself. Structural modifications, such as relocating the front entrance and adding bay windows to the Library and Drawing Room, were carried out under his authorisation. The interiors were adorned with fashionable wallpaper, panelling, and fireplaces, reflecting Holt's appreciation for the Aesthetic movement's emphasis on beauty and craftsmanship.
Transformation into an Art Gallery
George Holt's daughter, Emma Georgina Holt, continued to reside in Sudley House long after her father died, until her own passing in 1944. In her will, Emma bequeathed Sudley House and its estate, along with her father's remarkable art collection, to the Liverpool Corporation as an art gallery for the people of Liverpool.
Following Emma Holt's bequest, Sudley House underwent significant changes to transform it into an art gallery for public enjoyment. In 1946, the Liverpool Corporation sold off much of the house's contents and converted part of the ground floor into a temporary public library.
In 1986 National Museums Liverpool took over management, with a commitment to restoring Sudley House to its original appearance. Since then, efforts have been made to recreate the rooms as they would have appeared when Holt was in residence, furnishing them with contemporary pieces.
One particularly impressive—and costly—restoration effort occurred in 2005 when the museum closed its doors for two years before re-opening on May 26, 2007. The project cost £1 million and saw many improvements to the museum.
Additions included two childhood rooms and a costume room to show rotating displays of historic clothing. Additionally, a gallery was created for temporary exhibitions and on the ground floor, the library came to host a permanent display of the Holt family's legacy. This included an introductory film, family portraits, and a model of the steamer Verdi—an emblem of George Holt's entrepreneurial ventures with the Lamport and Holt shipping company, established in 1845.
Inside the Sudley House in Liverpool
The Morning Room
Once Emma Holt's sanctuary, the Morning Room was where she managed her philanthropic pursuits, including her involvement with Liverpool University and numerous health charities.
The Garden Hall
The Garden Hall was formerly the house's front entrance, until George Holt reconfigured the entrance to its current location.
Exploring the First Floor
On the first floor, visitors can see how Sudley House transformed from private residence to public museum, as Victorian bedrooms have given way to public galleries. Here, exhibitions illuminate aspects of domestic life and childhood, offering insights into a bygone era.
The Childhood Room
In the Childhood Room there are examples of toys and games from upper and middle-class households; relics of bygone playtimes.
The Small World Room
Inside the Small World Room are miniature versions of real-life objects. Scaled-down animals, people, and everyday items show a modern audience how imaginative play played out generations ago.
The Entrance Porch
Admire the exquisite stained glass window portraying ‘Truth’, in the entrance porch. It is a masterpiece of hand-blown crown glass crafted by Shrigley and Hunt in 1883-84.
The Library
The Library was George Holt's domain. Commissioned from J. O'Neill of Church Street, Liverpool, the bookcases, furnishings, and marquetry panels reflect the family's passion for the arts.
The Drawing Room
In the Drawing Room, elegance reigns supreme, with embossed flock wallpaper and gold stencilling. While the furnishings may have changed, the room's original fireplace remains.
The Dining Room
Inside the Dining Room the oak buffet and original portraits by Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds bear witness to lavish gatherings and feasts hosted by the Holts.
Victorian Gardens at Sudley House
Sudley House is surrounded by beautiful Victorian gardens that after becoming a public park, have been carefully landscaped with pathways that ensure accessibility for all. Over the years, the House’s charming Walled Garden had fallen into disrepair, its glasshouseshad been demolished and the flower beds were overgrown. However, a National Lottery-funded project "Growing A Therapeutic Garden," has organised gardening sessions, volunteer sessions, forest school holiday clubs, and events to transform the garden.
The garden has now been zoned into three main areas—the woodland area, the garden area with woven willow raised beds, and the meadow—each designed to promote health, wellbeing, and play through nature. Funding from Veolia Environmental Trust has also supported the garden's development, with plans underway to rescue the crumbling listed walls. In 2022 efforts were made to create a healing herb garden and install rain cover, signage, and a workshop.
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