Orleans House and Gallery

Orleans House, a Palladian villa built in 1710 by architect John James, once stood gracefully near the Thames in Twickenham, England. Initially commissioned by the politician and diplomat James Johnston, the villa gained its name from the Duc d'Orléans, who resided there in the early 19th century. However, by the early 20th century, the house had fallen into disrepair and was largely demolished in 1926. Fortunately, parts of the property were preserved, including a baroque octagonal room designed by James Gibbs. Today, this octagon room and its service wing are Grade I listed by Historic England, and a converted stable block forms the Orleans House Gallery, which showcases art from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and surrounding areas.

After a distinguished political career, James Johnston chose Twickenham as his retreat. Having served as an envoy in Germany and playing a pivotal role in securing the Hanoverian succession, Johnston had strong ties with royalty. It was said that George I often conversed with him and that Johnston was a favourite of Queen Caroline, who enjoyed his humour and company. Johnston frequently hosted prominent courtiers and King George I at his Twickenham residence.

As one of the first to build along the Thames in Twickenham during the 18th century, Johnston acquired a lease and enlisted architect John James to design and construct a mansion, a project that spanned 35 years. The estate was expansive, encompassing what is now Orleans House woodlands. Johnston crafted a fine garden that featured canals, an icehouse, a kitchen and pleasure gardens, a wilderness area, a grotto, and a fruit garden. In 1720, a baroque octagonal room designed by James Gibbs was added specifically for entertaining Queen Caroline, who held Johnston in high regard.

From 1813 to 1815, Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orléans, lived in Johnston's Twickenham home during his exile, after which the house was named in his honour.

By 1926, Orleans House was demolished, and the land was used for gravel quarrying throughout the 1930s. However, local figure Hon. Nellie Levy, later Nellie Ionides, saved the outbuildings and the octagon room. She left the property and her 18th- and 19th-century artwork collection to the borough. In 1952, the Octagon Room was listed as a historic building, and by 1972, the site had been converted into an art gallery.

In 1973, 16 acres at the northern end of the former park were repurposed for Orleans Park School.

Between 2005 and 2008, the gallery underwent a significant refurbishment by architects Patel Taylor, which included the addition of an education centre and a café. Orleans House Gallery, which opened in 1972, now displays pieces from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames' art collection. Highlights include a portrait of James Johnston by Thomas Gibson, various paintings of Orleans House, and the Burton Collection, which features artwork, personal items, and photographs of the explorer Richard Francis Burton.

The gallery is also home to the borough's arts service, offering educational workshops in the converted stables and coach house. Additionally, the venue is available for weddings and other functions.

After a 17-month, £3.7 million restoration project, partly funded by a £1.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Orleans House Gallery reopened in March 2018. The restoration included improvements to facilities, an extension of the upper floor for additional space, and the relocation of a painting of Queen Caroline outside the Octagon Room.