News about Thomas Gainsborough

Tomorrow marks the first time in history that the East Wing of the royal residence will open its doors to members of the public. For £75, guests will tour 19 rooms in the London residence and get a glimpse of George IV's love of oriental art and furniture. To ensure the safety of the residence, staff, and its visitors, the Royal Collection Trust has revealed its stringent security plan, with visitors subject to airport-style checks. (Pictured left: Principal Corridor. Pictured right: Yellow Drawing Room. Pictured inset: Buckingham Palace)

The royal residence in the City of Westminster will welcome members of the public from tomorrow to tour the East Wing - the area often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. Ahead of the tour, Royal Collection Trust have released images of staff making the final preparations, revealing a glimpse into the royal artefacts on display in the Principal Corridor (pictured top right), Centre Room (pictured bottom right), and Yellow Drawing Room (pictured left). Pictured: 1. Chimney Piece 2. Chinese celadon candelabra 3. Kylin clock 4. Chinoiserie table  5. Bailey & Sanders chair 6. 19th-century Chinese wallpaper 7. Royal portrait by Thomas Gainsborough, John Hayes St Leger, 1782 8. Lotus chandelier 9. Chinese 18th century Imperial Silk wall hangings 10. Chinese porcelain vases stand on tables.

A child contracted the rare infection Weil's disease after going swimming in an Essex river, a council has said. Dedham Parish Council in Essex said the local student 'suffered a severe infection after swimming in the River Stour at Dedham, and has been very poorly'. In a letter published on its website, the authority said it was a 'confirmed case of Weil's disease (leptospirosis) which can be very serious'. The disease is spread in the urine of infected animals, most commonly rats, mice, cows, pigs and dogs. People can contract Weil's disease if soil or freshwater, such as water from a river, that contains infected urine gets in their mouth, eyes or a cut.

For the first time, Buckingham Palace's historic center room, where the Royal Family gathers before appearances on the balcony, will be open to the public. Visitors will be able to take guided tours of the royal residence's east wing, the front facade on The Mall, where crowds gather on major occasions to see the monarchy on a budget. The palace's east wing was built in 1847-49 to accommodate Queen Victoria's growing family, and the construction closed the former open horseshoe-shaped royal residence.

The ceremonial arm (top right), which is made of blued steel inlaid with gold, is on display at the King's Gallery in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It came as part of George (above) himself's deep blue uniform jacket (left) and a pair of baby shoes (bottom right) worn by his only child, Princess Charlotte. The first exhibition to open at the King's Gallery following an 18-month absence. Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians. It had been known as The Queen's Gallery before being renamed after Elizabeth II's death in September 2022. Overall, 100 objects from the Royal Collection are on display. Queen Charlotte, George IV's mother, will also be on display at the Royal Palace of William and Robert Gainsborough portrait.

Check out our reviewers' picks of the best new books to read this weekend for enticing debuts, haunting fantasy, paranormal page-turners, and a harrowing account of a war prisoner.

Check out our reviewers' picks of the best new books to read this weekend from a stunningly moving tale about a town split by missing children to a touching landmark debut on artist Thomas Gainsborough's daughters.