A thoroughly enjoyable and informative visit was made to the Russell-Coates Museum with the added bonus of a free guided tour from a very knowledgeable tour guide.
In 1901 Merton Russell-Cotes gave his wife Annie a dream house on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea. It was an extraordinary, extravagant birthday present – lavish, splendid, and with a touch of fantasy.
They filled this exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels around the world, and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art, creating a unique atmosphere in a most dramatic setting.
A home, an art gallery, and a museum. Then they sealed it in time, and gave it to the future.
The sheer size of the artifacts collected by Merton and Annie Russell-Coates on their travels over the years was astonishing and we only saw a fraction on display , many others are kept in boxes and safe storage for changeover whenever the Curators deem appropriate.
It came as a surprise to learn that Merton bought the Royal Bath Hotel and much of the surrounding land first. He then closed it for 2 years to undertake a complete refurbishment and re-opened it to great acclaim from both Royalty and the rich and famous.
After that he followed on by building their home next door, lavishingly decorated in styles which complimented both their travels and the hotel next door, then gave if to his wife on her 66th birthday in 1901 and then donated the building, grounds and contents to the local community.
Innovation is a theme throughout the Russell-Coates museum with underfloor heating ( still used today) and secondary glazing to the sea facing windows.
Tea, Coffee and Cakes rounded off a quite memorable and fascinating visit to what has been described as the 3rd best museum ( behind the V & A and the British Museum) for art and sculptures right on our doorstep.
