How the Courtaulds Built London’s Greatest Impressionist Collection

Who Were the Courtaulds?

The Courtauld family, descendants of Huguenot refugees settled in London, built up a successful silk, crepe, and textile business. Founded in 1794 by George Courtauld (1761–1823) under the name George Courtauld & Co, the company remained a family-run enterprise, passed down from father to son for decades. The company expanded quickly during the Industrial Revolution, owning three silk mills by the mid-19th century. This transformation allowed the business to evolve from a local operation into a key player in the textile industry, recognized both nationally and internationally. Unsurprisingly, over a century of success enabled the Courtauld family to build up significant wealth.

Samuel Courtauld: The Visionary Art Collector

In the Courtauld family, one member stands out for his extraordinary contribution to the art world: Samuel Courtauld (1876–1947). As chairman of Courtaulds Ltd, he was a prominent industrialist and government advisor. As a philanthropist and art collector, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Courtauld Institute of Art in 1932. He also enriched Tate Britain’s and The National Gallery’s collections.

Samuel Courtauld’s passion for art began in 1917 when he saw the Hugh Lane Collection at the Tate Gallery. However, his collecting journey started in 1922 after attending an exhibition of French art at the Burlington Fine Arts Club. His wife, Elizabeth, deeply influenced the Courtauld collection, especially with her love for French modern art. She began their acquisitions in 1922 by purchasing Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Woman Tying Her Shoe and Jean Marchand’s Saint-Paul, Côte d’Azur.

Samuel and Elizabeth’s passion for art knew no bounds. They traveled widely across Europe and America, meeting dealers, artists, and collectors. They often visited multiple exhibitions in a single day. Samuel embraced French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art when many dismissed it as avant-garde or worthless. Proud of his independent taste, Samuel Courtauld built an impressive collection during the 1920s, featuring works by Van Gogh, Manet, Cézanne, and Renoir.

Samuel’s brother, Stephen Courtauld (1883–1967), also left a significant mark on the arts. Along with his wife, Virginia, he led a life of glamour and philanthropy funding different kinds of projects. Their most notable achievement was the restoration of Eltham Palace, a former royal residence dating back to the medieval period to which they added an Art Deco extension. Between them, the Courtaulds created an artistic legacy that proved to be a major contribution to London’s art and architecture, and that would be enjoyed for decades after their deaths.

A Temple of Art and Learning

Elizabeth Courlauld’s death in 1931 marked a turning point for Samuel. While his passion for collecting art decreased, his dedication to the art world remained. In 1932, he channelled this commitment into a transformative project: the founding of the Courtauld Institute of Art. Together with Viscount Lee of Fareham and Sir Robert Witt, Samuel established an academic center devoted to improving the understanding of visual arts in Britain. United by a shared vision, they created a pioneering institution that combined scholarship with public engagement, providing a space to study art history and showcase Samuel’s collection.

Today, the Courtauld Gallery holds one of the most remarkable art collections in the United Kingdom. Built largely on the support of donations and bequests, especially from Samuel, the collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works from the medieval period to modern day. It is particularly renowned for its exceptional French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. The collection boasts around 530 paintings and over 26,000 drawings and prints.

On the other hand, the Courtauld Institute is recognized as one of the world’s most prestigious institutions for the study of art history. It advances the way we see and understand visual arts through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, conservation, and its inspiring gallery exhibitions. The institute also offers engaging activities, educational programs, and accessible events, ensuring its mission reaches a wide audience.

Masterpieces of the Courtauld Collection

The Courtauld’s permanent collection features an extraordinary range of paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The gallery is particularly renowned for its outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, showcasing works by Manet, van Gogh, Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Renoir, Seurat, Toulouse-Lautrec, and the most significant collection of Cézanne’s works in the UK.

But the collection doesn’t stop there. It also includes remarkable pieces from the Renaissance to the 18th century by masters such as Lucas Cranach, Rubens, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Sandro Botticelli. We invite you to discover some of the most iconic highlights of the Courtauld Gallery’s collection below.

Bringing Art to All

Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with art, the Courtauld is dedicated to the improvement of our understanding of the role of art throughout history, while promoting its relevance in the modern world. To achieve this, it organizes exhibitions that allow audiences to experience world-famous masterpieces up close, offers accessible expert-led short courses, and hosts events that bring research in art history to new and diverse audiences.

Through digital initiatives, innovative school, family, and community programs, the Courtauld seeks to expand access to art education. Its ambition is to transform the way art history is taught and experienced, broadening its scope and ensuring that as many people as possible have the tools to understand the visual world around us better.

A Legacy Beyond Time

The legacy of Samuel Courtauld and his family is a powerful example of the impact that vision and passion can have. Their deep belief in the universal value of art, paired with their unwavering commitment to collecting and sharing it, has left an enduring mark on the cultural landscape. Through their efforts, they not only preserved masterpieces for future generations but also transformed the way art is studied, appreciated, and experienced. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, a visit to the Courtauld offers a chance to admire some of the most iconic works of art and reflect on the legacy of those who dared to dream beyond their time.