I apologise the picture editor has made a muddle. Today, you may be disappointed, we visit another Room 32.
Room 32 in the National Gallery looks so sensational that it is quite in order to ignore the 17th century Italian pictures on the walls and gasp at the decoration.
“Room 32, where the Italian Baroque paintings are displayed, is the largest gallery in the building. In July 2020 the room reopened to the public after a major renovation programme, made possible through the generous support of Julia and Hans Rausing. The purpose of this project was to reinstate the original decorative scheme of its architect, Edward M. Barry (1830-1880). The dark red wall cloth, ornate painted frieze and lunettes, whose designs alternate winged lions with dolphins, have all been reinstated according to the original colour scheme.” (National Gallery)
Now, thanks to the generosity of the Rausings, it has the Wow! factor. I was not the only visitor captivated by its restoration; a hit, a very palpable hit. I wonder if the National Gallery’s neighbour on Trafalgar Square will be as successful? The National Portrait Gallery is having a make-over and will not re-open until Spring 2023 when we can decide
So now the NPG restaurant is closed and the Rex Whistler restaurant at Tate Britain, the latter possibly permanently. But as one door closes another opens – food for thought another day.