Dulwich Picture Gallery is a fairly unique entity in the art world- it lays claim to being not only one of the oldest collections in Britain, but also one of the most important. The European Old Master painting collection was put together between 1790-95 at the request of the King of Poland, Stanislaus Augustus. On the partition of Poland and the Royal's subsequent abdication, the two dealers who had been hired to create the collection, Bourgeois and Desenfans, were left with the magnificent royal art on their hands. Defying the wishes of the state, the paintings were left to Dulwich College on the premise that they be made open for public viewing.

And so was formed the first public art gallery in the country.

The permanent collection is as magnificent as one might expect, and their temporary exhibitions are usually of a very high standard. A great gallery for the academics, art historians and those tired of the 20th century artist's musings.