A cultured Prince named “the first gentleman of Europe” by his friend the Duke of Wellington, The Prince Regent (later King George IV) was also dissolute, gluttonous and profligate, making him deeply unpopular with the public. Whatever the flaws in his character, however, George IV’s eclectic taste in fine objects, lavish interiors and ambitious architectural schemes came to define the Regency period, leaving a legacy of beauty through the exquisite collections he amassed.
In ‘Spectacle & Splendour’, antiquarian and collector Scott Coleman explores the life of opulence of the most influential patron of fine and decorative arts of his day. Several pieces from Scott’s private collection will be on display, including a replica of the ostentatious hat and Diamond Diadem which George IV wore on the way to his coronation.
Scott Coleman has an abiding interest in the relationship between the monarchy and the arts. He has lectured at the National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Australian Democracy on subjects relating to royal jewels, regalia and collecting, and serves on the National Council of the Australian Monarchist League. Scott is a Portrait Donor at the National Portrait Gallery, where his work has twice been exhibited, and in 2008 was awarded the National Gallery of Australia’s Summer Art Scholarship. He makes regular loans to exhibitions from his collection and speaks on themes of heraldry and history to various research societies. His interests include collecting royal artifacts, English porcelain, painting and dogs.
Join The Friends for another interesting and stimulating presentation. Afternoon tea, to include an array of delicious petit fours and biscuits, will be served on arrival.
NOTE: Tickets for this event do not include access to our exhibition-house, Fairhall. Guided tours of the current exhibition can be booked separately.
This event is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust.
Image: Lotus chandeliers, Music Room, Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 2025. Photo: Louise Voll Box.
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