Polesden Lacey's collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Polesden Lacey on the National Trust Collections website.
Polesden Lacey houses an exceptional collection of paintings. It was created by two remarkable individuals – the self-made brewing magnate William McEwan MP and his daughter Margaret Greville DBE, the redoubtable hostess and last private owner of Polesden Lacey.
William McEwan bought Polesden Lacey in 1906 for his daughter Margaret, who used it as a venue for entertaining rich and powerful guests in style. She left it to the National Trust in her will so that its art collection could be ‘open to the public at all times and…enjoyed by the largest number of people.'
The taste of father and daughter is strongly expressed at Polesden Lacey and demonstrates their delight in exquisite paintings by the Old Masters. The presence of so many exceptional pictures in this luxurious country house – nearly 100 in their collection – continues to produce a distinctly select, intimate and inviting impression.
The National Trust has recently published 100 Paintings, a book showcasing key paintings from its vast collections. Four of those paintings can be seen at Polesden Lacey.
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Polesden Lacey on the National Trust Collections website.
Learn more about the remarkable pictures at Polesden Lacey by reading John Chu's picture guide
From stunning décor in the gold Saloon to state-of-the-art conveniences, explore Margaret Greville's house at Polesden Lacey, a luxurious house fit for royalty.
From her quiet childhood in Scotland, Margaret Greville climbed the social ladder to become one of the most popular socialites in the Edwardian era and owner of Polesden Lacey.