The Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection, A Family Collection, A National Museum, An International Treasure House
Lady Wallace, circa 1890, photography by Walter Scott
Lady Wallace, circa 1890, photography by Walter Scott
Lady Wallace

Julie-Amélie-Charlotte Castelnau (1819-97), married Richard Wallace in 1871, having been his mistress for many years.

She is said to have been an assistant in a perfumer’s shop when they met. In 1890 Sir Richard Wallace bequeathed to her all his property.

There is no evidence that she had any enthusiasm for the great collection for which she then became responsible and, after Wallace’s death, she led a secluded life at Hertford House.

It was almost certainly the loyal desire to fulfil her husband’s wishes that led her to leave the collection at Hertford House to the nation on her death.