While visiting Bournemouth last month to spend a few days soaking up the seaside atmosphere, I spent an afternoon at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Located on the top of the East cliff, the museum looks out over the sea, features a breathtakingly beautiful garden and hides various paintings, sculptures and souvenirs within a Grade II listed building. It's close enough to the beach to remind you where you are, and yet secluded enough to feel like a tranquil retreat...
Okay, so a little background. The seaside villa was built by hoteliers (Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes) in 1901 as their home. The place is filled with their extensive collection of British paintings and sculptures, as well as souvenirs from their world travels. Dreamy? Just a bit. And when they died in 1921, they gave both the house and their collection over to the people of Bournemouth to enjoy forevermore. I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm grateful, because the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a complete treasure trove, and with so much to see!The above painting is (part of) Edward Hale's Psyche at the Throne of Venus, undoubtedly my favourite from the gallery's vast collection. The Pre-Raphaelite section is one of complete beauty, and literally kept me in the same room for nearly an hour.
After roaming through the two floors of the museum, a light and airy café offers refreshments and (most importantly) cake! I headed for the marble-topped table and decorative cushions, complete with lemon cake in one hand, and rose lemonade in the other. It's funny how some moments can have such a positive impact on you; for whatever reason, this particular one has stayed with me for weeks. Ah, take me back! 
Venturing outside, the weather was on its absolute best behaviour - gotta love the summertime! I'm pretty sure you could whittle away an entire afternoon in the Russell-Cotes garden without getting distracted. Rose arches, pond complete with water lilies, fountain, plenty of seating, and grand white steps leading up to the building, ending with a balcony overlooking the sea. Bliss. Call me a romantic, but I like to imagine at least one loved-up couple had met for the first time in these gardens.
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Russell Cotes Rd
Bournemouth
BH1 3AA
Have you ever visited the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum before? If not, will you be adding to your travel-list?!With love,
Gabrielle x
such a romantic and stunning place dear xx
ReplyDeletethis place looks sooo beautiful <3 you definitely fit in the with scenery. You remind me of a fairy princess :)
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It is absolutely gorgeous! I love all of the paintings and sculptures <3 The grounds are magical :)
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cute outfit in a very lovely location ;)
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This looks like such a lovely place to visit! And having cake is definitely a plus point :) x
ReplyDeleteLuxeStyle
Should I ever be in that area, I would for sure try to sneak in a visit. Even if it was only for the cake!
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
What a dreamy location. Lovely photos lady!
ReplyDeleteLyndi
www.stylecalling.com
You always share the most gorgeous and luxurious looking locations and grounds with us, always having me wish I were tagging along with you, haha! This museum is absolutely beautiful! I haven't been to one in so long. In fact, I think the last time I've gone was when I was doing my undergraduate studies for my art class, it's been THAT long! Now that I have a little one, I'll be making it a priority to visit as many as possible because they're so beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing, girlie, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
This looks like such a lovely place! Roaming around beautiful gardens and looking at art is definitely some of the things I enjoy doing most on a day off :)
ReplyDeleteEllen x | thatsellen
oh my! What a wonderful and relaxing way to spend the day. Plus you looked super cute. And you got to see al that art! Nice!
ReplyDeleteAllie of
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Wow this all sounds amazing. And as always, your photos are stunning!!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, you always visit the most amazing places and I'm forever envious of your trips. This gallery and museum is stunning and I can easily see The romanticism in the gardens, perfect love story setting. Another one to add to my list!
ReplyDeleteJaz xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
Seems like a grand and dreamy place to visit indeed. Great photos and warm greetings to you!
ReplyDeleteThis place is just so gorgeous and perfect for the weekend, I love the shoes you are wearing!
ReplyDeleteCamila,
My Vogue Style | www.myvoguestyle.com
These photos are absolutely stunning girl! I completely forgot how amazing your blog is and I'm so glad I rediscovered it!
ReplyDeleteMuch Love,
Imogen // www.faux-silk.com
so dreaming lcoation
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have an happy day
kisses
I love a day at a museum! Especially when they have beautiful grounds to wander. These are gorgeous. XO, Ellese
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The garden at the museum is spectacular, and I really love your outfit. I used to have a jean skirt just like that and I’ve never met a stripped shirt I didn’t like. Those lily pads are so sweet I never see lily pads in real life.
ReplyDeleteThat's so generous of them to give their house away to the people! It looks spectacular, looks like a great place to spend my day at when I visit!
ReplyDeleteyanrula x
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What a beautiful location! Love your outfit, and your hair looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLuci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
You always post on the most beautiful places Gabrielle, and that garden is soooo pretty!!!! I also love your outfit, I have a similar denim skirt I forgot all about and need to dig it out!! x
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
This museum is so splendid and magnificent, I love your photography babe...and You look beyond beautiful hun...Kisses, Neha
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The place is so pretty, such a lovely shot to visit and take photographs for! I love your denim skirt by the way. I love museums and this is definitely now on my radar!
ReplyDeleteMacarons and Mischief
Thanks a lot :D
ReplyDeleteCool photos my friend. Seems to be an amazing place to visit :3
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It looks so beautiful and interesting! You always look so pretty!
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Gorgeous photos!
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That place looks so magical!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the photographs are amazing, as always :D
Wish you a happy day
xx
https://thathappymess.com
That place looks so magical!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the photographs are amazing, as always :D
Wish you a happy day
xx
https://thathappymess.com
So dreamy,I feel so inspired when I see people traveling and you always come up with great destinations..somehow you made me fall in love with England and not only.
ReplyDeleteHugs from Alexandra ~ Impavid Blog
What a beautiful place. Never heard about it before. Every corner is so dreamy and the attention to details is mesmerising. How lucky to witness such a beauty.
ReplyDeleteNathalie
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It always blows my mind to see tropical-looking plants in the UK. They are so lucky that they got to live there! It's beautiful.
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Oh what a gorgeous place! The garden looks absolutely stunning and perfect to spend an afternoon there. Hope you're having a lovely week babe! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
What a lovely place! I love your purse too. Have a great day Gabrielle.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Wow what a beautiful place! I love that you quite literally stopped to smell the flowers. What an elegant picture! Hope you enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteKim
Simply Lovebirds
what a place, so green and relaxing and i totally love your outfit Gabrielle!
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Such wonderful place! Not only the museum sounds very interesting but all the places around seems so relaxing and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos, dear, you made me mind "Alice in Wonderland"! ^-^
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it
Love your pics, so pretty and classy! :-)
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I love museums! Especially ones with gardens. They are always so charming. Sounds like you had an amazing time!!
ReplyDelete-Emily www.coatandcoffee.com
This place looks so dreamy!!! I'm in love with the garden, it looks extremely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAndrea.
Seize your Style
Such a gorgeous spot! Loving your sandals, babe.
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I would never have even known this place existed if it weren't for your blog, but it looks beautiful and like such a cute little hidden treasure. Also that rose lemonade is so delicious!
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The gardens and the Gallery, so beautiful! Really gorgeous photos Gab!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening
Nuria
www.travelera.es
What a lovely place...the garden is dreamy, those lotus flowers are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting art galleries...probably that makes sense because I do amateur art myself.
you look adorable...love that denim skirt. A denim skirt is such a versatile item, one that I wear very often.
Your photos are amazing love! It really makes me wanna go back to Europe, or even the UK in the Summer time!
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You always find such pretty places! I love that it's so lush and the architecture details are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteTina
www.justatinabit.com
Oooh, this does look so tranquil! These photos are gorgeous Gabrielle!
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Excellent shots!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
Gil Zetbase
I love gardens! There's something romantic about it. The art gallery museum is a plus too! Every detail looks perfect! <3
ReplyDeletexoxo,
SHAIRA
www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com
This is such a dreamy set of photos! I love how you capture your adventures. Art galleries are just so breathtaking xx
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Wow what a beautiful place and your photographs captured it so nicely. Thanks for always taking us on your adventures. It's always a pleasure to read and see what you've seen.
ReplyDeletexx
Cool pictures and OMG you have the most awesome skirt ever! <3
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday!
Wow, what a beautiful place and amazing art!! Lovely pictures too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
You always find the dreamiest places! This place looks gorgeous and so relaxing, I love all the art work,
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
www.callmeamy.co.uk
This museum is so beautiful! .I love your photos......
ReplyDeleteSylwia,
www.passion4luxus.com
wow such a stunning place. thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteOh very amazing place~ Thanks for share so impressive pics
ReplyDeletexx
www.sakuranko.com
That place is really amazing and shooting too. This post is beautiful as always!!! Don't miss my last outfit, now on my blog! Kisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
ReplyDeleteEni
Eniwhere Fashion
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This looks beautiful, great photos! x
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What an absolutely beautiful place, I love everything about it, it reminds me of a place I go often and I think I might take myself off on a trip soon. Also, that cake looks tasty!
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Wow this museum is so gorgeous and you are looking amazing too hun, hope you have been well ? xx
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I'm doing really well thanks babe, sweet of you to ask! Hope you're having a lovely summer..
DeleteGabrielle x
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum looks beautiful with its tranquil and peaceful surroundings. What a lovely place to visit!
ReplyDeleteMiriam xx
www.londonkitchendiaries.com
Okay, now, this place looks so exquisite!! It's just so beautiful and don't get me started on the photo's, they're beautiful :)
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Oh wow, what an amazing place! It looks incredible there!
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This place looks amazing! I would love to go here x
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I've been to Bournemouth numerous time. A very nice small city. Great shots as always and you look wonderful. That denim skirt is so good hun. Happy sunmmer! :-)
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That looks amazing! I love visiting museums like that :)
ReplyDeletexx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Every time I swing by your blog, I'm always smitten by your photos Gabrielle! I love how they can tell a story on their own. This post also makes me want to visit a museum soon. :)
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This place is so beautiful !! Great photos as always and you perfect!! <3
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This is too nice and classic! Love the way how you write so beautifully!
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The gardens look beautiful and so romantic! It's such a lovely story that they gave their house to the people of Bournemouth and it's visitors :) xo
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What a beautiful museum.. you've taken lovely photos!x
ReplyDeleteLAURA | Laura Thinks About
Oh these photos are utterly gorgeous Gabrielle, you always take the most stunning shots! I love this post and you look as lovely as always. - Tasha
ReplyDeleteThe Russell-Cotes gallery and museum sounds truly dreamy, Gabrielle! I love the images you captured for this post, especially the one at the fountain with the large twig sculptures in the background. And I love your denim skirt - such an elegant version of the trend.
ReplyDeletexo, janea
www.theSTYLEtti.com
Oh Gabrielle, this museum is absolutely beautiful! So romantic too! Looks like an gorgeous and luxurious place! xoxo
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Oh my...I love the fact that you are such a romantic! Sharing with us such beautiful photos from these amazing, romantic and somewhat melancholic places is giving me such joy, because I am a lover of such places myself!
ReplyDeleteYou look like you just stepped out of one of those paintings, you could have blended in the Renaissance period perfectly.
http://thewonderfashion.blogpsot.com
I seriously have some beautiful weird dreams about some historical or garden places in UK that I never visited yet and wondering why I got that dreams.
ReplyDeleteIt is so enjoyable seeing this post and get to know more knowledge.
I really wish I could visit it someday x
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