The Wallace Collection in London has announced an exciting lineup of exhibitions for 2025, featuring prominent artists and historical figures that promise to captivate art lovers. With a focus spanning over 400 years of art history, these exhibitions will showcase everything from modern contemporary works to classical masterpieces. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur (28 March – 26 October 2025)
Sir Grayson Perry, one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists, will celebrate his 65th birthday with a new exhibition at the Wallace Collection. Inspired by pieces within the museum’s extensive collection, Perry has created a series of new artworks that will be featured alongside historical treasures.
In Delusions of Grandeur, Perry introduces Shirley Smith, a fictional character who believes she is the rightful heir to the Wallace Collection. Through Shirley’s lens, Perry explores themes such as the meaning of home, mental health, and the perception of authenticity. His works will include ceramics, sculpture, textile, and painting, creating an imaginative world that intertwines his personal introspection with the Wallace Collection’s storied past.
Caravaggio’s Cupid (26 November 2025 – 12 April 2026)
For the first time in the UK, Caravaggio’s Victorious Cupid will be on display at the Wallace Collection. This Baroque masterpiece, also known as Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All), is a major loan from Berlin’s Gemäldegalerie.
The exhibition will explore the Italian Renaissance concept of the paragone, a debate about the superiority of painting versus sculpture. Caravaggio’s animated depiction of Cupid, with symbolic objects scattered at his feet, will be paired with the Wallace Collection’s Love Triumphant by Jean-Pierre Tassaert, highlighting this artistic rivalry. Art enthusiasts can look forward to discovering more about Caravaggio’s relationship with his patron, Marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani, and the painting’s historical significance.
Winston Churchill: The Painter (29 May – 29 November 2026)
Known for his leadership during World War II, Winston Churchill was also an avid amateur painter. In Winston Churchill: The Painter, the Wallace Collection will present more than 50 of Churchill’s best paintings, many of which are on loan from private collections and have rarely been seen by the public.
This retrospective will trace Churchill’s artistic development from his first attempts at painting during the First World War to his final works in the 1960s. The exhibition will also feature paintings by his mentors, Sir John Lavery and Sir William Nicholson, offering insight into Churchill’s influences and creative journey. Complemented by personal correspondence and writings on art, this exhibition will shed light on a lesser-known aspect of Churchill’s life.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Xavier Bray, Director of the Wallace Collection, expressed his excitement for the upcoming exhibitions, stating, “Our programme over the next two years spans more than 400 years of art history – from Caravaggio’s provocative portrait of Cupid to Winston Churchill’s impressionistic landscapes and Grayson Perry’s highly original creations. All of the works on show open new windows on the world, giving us fresh perspectives and challenging us to think more deeply about our capacity for creativity.”
The 2025 exhibitions promise to offer a diverse and enriching experience for visitors, with each artist’s work opening new dialogues between the past and present. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, classical painting, or historical figures like Winston Churchill, there’s something for everyone at the Wallace Collection next year.
For more information and to stay updated, visit The Wallace Collection or follow them on social media.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.