The Friends of Kenwood send best wishes to all those who have supported Kenwood over this past year as life has returned to ‘normal’. We know how much your readers value Kenwood House and the estate; it’s critical for our physical and mental well-being.

“Earth has not anything to show more fair.”

Wordsworth might have been thinking of the city of London, but member Robert Garland was thinking of Kenwood when he wrote this to us earlier this year, adding: “Kenwood House is just about my favourite place on earth.”

Many people feel a great fondness for Kenwood and its outstanding art collection, and, like Professor Garland, cherish it as a special place.

If you feel equally attached to Kenwood, and if you would like to join us, you can find details at www.friendsofkenwood.org.uk. With your help, we can act as an important advocate for Kenwood.

If you haven’t been inside Kenwood House recently, why not make a visit in the New Year? It’s free! You can currently see the temporary loan of a fantastic portrait by Francis Bacon of Robert Sainsbury(1955), who is glaring across the room at the benefactor of Kenwood, Edward Cecil Guinness (c1912), by HM Paget. These two men were both great art lovers and philanthropists, as well as being successful businessmen.

For a taster of the treasures Kenwood holds, you can listen to one of our talks on the Friends of Kenwood’s YouTube channel. 

The Female Side of Kenwood House is a two-part ‘virtual’ guided tour through Kenwood and its outstanding art collection, and it illustrates the role of women in British history.

We wish everyone a happy festive season and a promising 2023.

Find Friends of Kenwood at www.friendsofkenwood.org.uk