Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

‘You have built and fitted up, with the greatest beauty and elegance, a palace, and filled it with gems of art…’ Oscar Wilde

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum was the vision of Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, as a palace of art to delight the people of Bournemouth and visitors to the town.

Both born in 1835, Merton and Annie led successful lives, eventually becoming the owners of the Royal Bath Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Europe at this time. Among their guests they counted Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Sir Henry Irving, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Arthur Sullivan, and many royals, aristocrats, and visionaries of the Victorian period.

They were passionate collectors of art, and filled the hotel with their paintings and sculptures, as well as treasures that they gathered on their many trips around the world. They visited many countries, and had a particular passion for Japan and for New Zealand.

They built East Cliff Hall, the home of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in 1901 as their retirement home, and to house their extraordinary collection, and Merton presented it to Annie as a gift for her 66th birthday. They always planned to give the museum to the Borough of Bournemouth, and thanks to their generosity we are able to enjoy the building and its collection today.