A trip to Buckingham Palace

Sarah Campbell took a tour of the exhibition at the palace

If you are an art lover or you just fancy a look around part of Buckingham Palace, then you'll probably be interested in a new exhibition which opens today.

The Queen's Gallery plays host to what is being described as a major exhibition of art belonging to George III.

He is best remembered today as the mad king who lost the American colonies - but in his day, George III was a great patron of the arts and sciences.

His reign - from 1760 to 1820 - saw dramatic developments in art and architecture.

Now 500 paintings and other artefacts are being put on show, in the biggest exhibition of its kind.

Breakfast's Sarah Campbell took a tour of some of the King's favourite artefacts, including a gold plated royal egg boiler

A recording of her report will be available shortly

You can get more information from the Buckingham Palace website.

Click here to go straight to the website

For details about opening times and ticket prices click here

George III and Queen Charlotte had very close links to the art world at a particularly creative time in Britain, which saw the foundation of the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Society of Arts.

Manufacturers and Artists featured in the exhibition Furniture: William Vile Silver: Thomas Heming Porcelain: Chelsea, Derby, Wedgwood and Worcester factories Metalwork: Matthew Boulton

Today's new exhibition is made up of 500 objects from the royal collection which includes sculpture, furniture, paintings, drawings books, ceramics silver and gold.

The family had their portraits painted by many of the leading artists of their day, including Gainsborough and Zoffany.

There are also works by Raphael and Cannaletto - and porcelain from the new factories of Wedgwood, Chelsea and Derby.

The palace says it's the largest ever collection of Georgian items in one exhibition.

George III had a serious interest in art; he was taught architecture by William Chambers who designed the state coach for the king

But he also had a love of science and his collection included some fine watches, clocks and barometers.

The diverse range of items on display is guaranteed to appeal to not only art lovers but those with a general interest in Georgian antiques.

The exhibition runs until 9 January 2005.

Admission Information

Opening times:

09:30 - 17:30 every day (last admission 16:30)

The Queen's Gallery is open every day except:
8-25 March, 9 April, 25 and 26 December

Entry is by timed ticket. Pre-booked tickets for The Queen's Gallery are available from the booking line (+44) (0)20 7766 7301 or go to the Buckingham Palace website via the link above to book online.

George III and Queen Charlotte: Patronage, Collecting and Court Taste (includes an audio tour)

Ticket prices:

Adult £7.50
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £6.00
Under 17 £4.00
Under 5 Free Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £19.00