LEIGHTON HOUSE
I recently had the opportunity to work at Leighton House, the former residence and studio of the renowned Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896), during a group photography event organised and styled by Tabitha Boydell. Located in the Holland Park area of Kensington, Leighton constructed the house in 1865 and made ongoing modifications until his passing in 1896. Following Leighton’s death, his collection was auctioned at Christies and dispersed. However, the house itself was preserved, and in 1900, it was transformed into a museum managed by a committee led by Leighton’s neighbour and biographer, Emilie Barrington. The house is now owned by The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and is open to the public Wednesdays to Mondays.
The images below feature professional model Emily Massey wearing a stunning gown by Millia London. Taken in the Arab Hall extension of the house, a favoured spot for visitors and a sought-after location for photoshoots, films, and music videos. You may recognise the stunning tiled walls from music videos such as The Stranglers’ “Golden Brown” and Spandau Ballet’s “Gold”!
