WHAT?  Holbein at the Tudor Court 

WHERE?  The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA

WHEN?  Now until 14th April 2024

WHY GO? To meet the Tudor image-maker. His name will forever be associated with Sir Thomas More and Henry Vlll for Holbein was championed by the two most powerful names in Tudor history and that’s just for starters!

Every portrait attributed to Holbein cements his legacy as the artist who gave us a vivid image of who was who in Tudor times.

This is one of the Royal Collection’s most intriguing exhibitions, and rather like a Hilary Mantel tome, it does not disappoint!

Holbein was the celebrated go-to artist everyone wanted and this brilliantly curated exhibition tells us exactly why as it charts his career.  Born In Germany, Holbein moved to Basel before arriving in England at the age of 29, already an accomplished artist.

His beautiful preparatory drawings are rarely on public view for conservation reasons and every picture tells a story, one that confirms the sitter’s place in Tudor history. 

Often hastily half finished, they have an intimacy that gets right to the heart of each sitter.  

One of the finest on show is an early drawing of Anne Boleyn, intended as a miniature for the King’s private gaze, which sadly we know didn’t end well, despite its beauty!

IN THE KNOW  Looking for a cultural Christmas gift? An exhibition ticket includes a 1-Year Pass which allows access to all future exhibitions in the sumptuous Queen's Gallery and can be used at any time within the year. And the Royal Gift shop is a treasure trove for gifts from glorious hampers to festive stocking fillers.