The lost collection of Charles I

Explore the art collection of Charles I (1600–1649)

During his reign, Charles I set about assembling an art collection to surpass all others. Following his execution in 1649, this world-class collection was sold off by the Commonwealth government and scattered across Europe.

This website records the lost collection in two ways. In the online database, we trace over a third of the pictures to around 60 public collections and just as many private collections. Through the 3D visualisation, visitors can experience something of this magnificent collection as it might have looked on the walls of Whitehall Palace for the first time in nearly 400 years.

If you have any information about works that feature in this collection, please contact us.

View the private galleries of Charles I

See the collection of Charles I, hung in his Privy Rooms at Whitehall Palace