If you’re in London this fall, check out these current exhibitions at the Kenwood House and Buckingham Palace.
Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits
Owned by the nonprofit organization English Heritage, Kenwood House is a magnificent 18th-century mansion in north London that presents important exhibitions. On view now is “Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits,” which marks the centenary of the death of John Singer Sargent (1856–1925).
It highlights 18 portraits he made — both oil paintings and charcoal drawings — of some of the more than 400 wealthy American women who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, married into the British aristocracy. Often dismissed as “Dollar Princesses,” many — in fact — married for love, or were no wealthier than their husbands. Quite a few made important contributions to British politics, arts, and society, too.
Curator Wendy Monkhouse and adviser Richard Ormond (the artist’s great-nephew) have borrowed significant works from museums in Washington, Boston, and Houston, as well as private collections. Several of their loans have never been on public display before.
“Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits” is on view through October 5, 2025.
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance
On view at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a show that only this exalted venue could pull off. Titled “The Edwardians: Age of Elegance,” it presents more than 300 objects from the Royal Collection, almost half of which have never been exhibited.
Attention is focused on King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, then on King George V and Queen Mary — exploring their family lives, personal collecting, and social circles.
On display are works by leading artists of the era, including Rosa Bonheur, Edward Burne-Jones, Frederic Leighton, and John Singer Sargent.
“The Edwardians: Age of Elegance” is on view through November 23, 2025.
