Leeds Art Fund

This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for LAF members to see two major exhibitions on a day visit to London. Price includes return rail travel from Leeds to Kings Cross, and entrance to both exhibitions.

Our first stop will be the V&A to see Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts and Russian Tsars which celebrates the close relationship between the English monarchy and the Russian Tsars, and comprises more than 150 objects - from royal portraits, jewellery and luxury goods to processional armour and heraldry. At the heart of the exhibition is a showcase of spectacular silver given to successive Tsars, on loan from the Moscow Kremlin Museums. Highlights also include a rarely shown portrait of Elizabeth I and the legendary ruby-studded Drake Star, providing a stunning insight into the ritual and chivalry of the royal courts.

In the afternoon we move ont to the Royal Academy for what is arguably the highlight of the day - a visit to their blockbuster exhibition Manet: Portraying Life. This is the first ever exhibition devoted to Edouard Manet's portraiture, and brings together more than 50 works from across Europe, Asia and the USA - including portraits of his family, friends and the literary, political and artistic figures of his day. As well as scenes from everyday life he also chronicles Parisian society and reveals a forward-thinking, modern approach to portraiture.

We will leave Leeds by train at 9.15 am and are due back by 9 pm. The cost is £67 per person, which includes return train travel and entrance to both exhibitions. Underground travel and meals are not included.

Early booking is strongly recommended as places are limited. Please complete the downloadable booking form.