The Club has a splendidly mixed and significant collection of works of art and artefacts throughout the building. It comprises oil paintings, watercolours and prints usually of historical military subjects that have either been generously and thoughtfully donated by Members or purchased over the years, as well as those that have been specially commissioned by the Club to mark either particular occasions or of notable military persons.
Admiral Nelson
We also have a small collection of statuary with marble busts of the Duke of Cambridge, Queen Alexandra, King Edward VII, the Duke of Wellington and a larger one of Diana the huntress all sited variously around the Club. Smaller collectables, including some silver, are not forgotten with miniature statuettes of the Duke of Wellington, Emperor Napoleon and Nell Gwynne along with many others, displayed in secure cabinets. Finally, and not forgoing eccentricity, the stuffed head of a Kudu bull with a deformed horn hangs over the stairs up to the first floor and of course, the Emperor penguin, much-loved by many Members, stands guard at the end of the landing on the second floor near the Ladies Drawing Room.
Details of the individual history and provenance of various items in our collection are contained within an illustrated flyer issued early in the year, as well as in the Newsletter, both written and compiled by Major Paul Skelton-Stroud, House Committee Member for Art & Artefacts.
Back in 2018, a generous legacy from long-time Member Commander George Greaves enabled us to form the Greaves Conservation Fund. A number of artworks and archive documents have since benefited from the best conservation, cleaning and repair work from professionals across the country. Should you wish to find out more or donate to the fund please click the link below.