As part of the 2013 Museums at Night Program, two small museums in Kensington are opening their doors for special evenings.

The Sanbourne house at 18 Stafford Terrace will open on Thursday 16 May from 6.30pm – 9pm.  From the Museum, “Meet Mrs Sambourne, the wife of Punch cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne, and her housekeeper, Mrs Reffell, at this ‘Victorian Delight’ evening, which includes special performances of Victorian manners in the Dining and Morning Room. The late opening will provide an insight into Victorian family life and household, with the additional pleasure of 19th-century classical music as a sonic backdrop.    This is a rare opportunity to experience what was known as an ‘Aesthetic interior’ or ‘House Beautiful’ style. The Aesthetic Movement of the late-nineteenth century advocated the use of foreign or ‘exotic’ influences in the decoration of the home and encouraged a life-style that was equally beautiful. You will also get the chance to receive a free sketch by our caricaturist upon departure.”

Nearby, Leighton House Museum will open on Friday 17 May from 6.30pm – 9.30pm with a  ‘Victorian Delight’ evening that will transport visitors to 1900 -when Leighton House first opened to the public.

A Victorian Delight: Step Back in Time to the Nineteenth-Century.