Dearest gentle reader, did you spot the Museum in the latest episodes of Bridgerton Season 4?
We are proud to be one of the filming locations in Bath for the hit Netflix series which recently returned to our screens.
While the exterior of the museum has been used to set the scene for many grand balls and dramatic exchanges between much beloved characters, our galleries inside offer an array of historic and contemporary works of art, which are a must-see on your next visit.
Top 5 things to see this spring –
| 1 | An entrance hall full of flowers Stepping through the grand doorway immediately reveals that the Holburne is not a stuffy museum – it’s currently painted bright yellow with giant flowers spreading across the walls (Lady Featherington would certainly approve). |
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| 2 | Meet the real Queen Charlotte Heading up the grand staircase you pass a portrait of Queen Charlotte by the artist Johan Zoffany (1733-1810). At the time of this portrait she was 21 or 22 and already the mother of four children. Queen Charlotte stayed on the neighbouring street when she came to Bath ‘to take the waters’ in 1817, which were believed to help a variety of health conditions. |
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| 3 | A snuffbox in the shape of a shoe As depicted in Bridgerton, the taking of snuff was popular with the aristocracy during the 18th century. Small ceramic boxes such as this beautiful little shoe contained finely ground, fermented tobacco leaves scented with oils to deliver a quick nicotine hit. The real Queen Charlotte was so fond of it that she was known by her sons as ‘Old Snuffy’! |
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A Wedgwood cameo commemorating King George’s return to health Wedgwood has a long connection to the British monarchy and created a range of commemorative pieces honouring significant royal events. This portrait medallion from 1789 depicts King George III (1738-1820) with the inscription ‘Health Restored’, referring to George’s recurring mental illness and the recovery from the second incapacitating period in 1788-89. |
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| 5 | A ballroom full of fabulous frocks While our historic ballroom was the location for many grand Georgian gatherings in the 18th century, there are a host of more modern creations on display this spring. 34 mannequins showcase the vivid designs of Zandra Rhodes, who redefined the role of print in fashion – a true ‘Modiste’ of her time! |
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The Holburne is open daily, surrounded by Sydney Gardens, the UK’s only remaining Georgian pleasure garden.
Make sure to plan your visit and walk in the footsteps of the real Queen Charlotte!