WHAT? The Barber in London: Highlights from a Remarkable Collection

WHERE? The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN

WHEN? Now until 22nd February 2026

WHY GO? To admire A-lister paintings. Birmingham’s loss is London’s gain.The acclaimed Barber Institute of Fine Arts in the University of Birmingham is temporarily closed while extensive renovation work takes place, and The Courtauld Gallery in London has stepped in to showcase a selection of their most famous paintings in the interim.
Both cultural institutions share the same objectives of advancing the research and conservation of outstanding art.
Eighteen masterpieces from renowned names like Monet, Reynolds and Gainsborough are on display, and each painting has a story to tell—from Bellini’s biblical Saint Jerome in the Wilderness to Whistler’s languid Symphony in White.
The curation is captivating, diverse enough to attract art lovers across the board and sits triumphantly alongside The Courtauld’s own unique gems, most notably their ‘poster image’, Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with a Bandaged Ear.
Lady Barber, who founded Birmingham’s Barber Institute of Fine Arts in 1932, stipulated that the acquisition of works should be “of that standard of quality required by the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection.” She would surely be proud and impressed that her celebrated collection is in safe hands in one of London’s most distinguished galleries.

IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss Courtauld’s smaller focused art displays alongside their main attractions.
Currently, With Graphic Intent shines a light on German and Austrian Modernist artists and their works on paper, and includes pencil and ink drawings, lithographs and etchings by favourites like Paul Klee and Kandinsky.
These graphics with clout are on show until 22nd June in the Project Space Gallery, with entrance included in the general admission.