Ambassador’s Residence

Completed in 1875, the British Ambassador's Residence in Vienna is the earliest purpose-built embassy still in use today. To illustrate the many cultural connections between Britain and Austria, in 2005 we added British contemporary and modern works to the existing display of historical works of art.

Visitors are greeted in the entrance hall by Paul Morrison’s large painting Needle (2001-2002) and Jonathan Parsons’ colourful painting from 2000 titled, Formulation Picture (Space Lattice). Referencing a major Viennese cultural icon, Ceri Richards' 1970 screen prints, The Beethoven Portfolio with Variations, extends up the staircase. In the dining room are two paintings by Michael Craig-Martin, and a drawing, Chandelier (2003), by Henry Krokatsis, a subject that fits well with several real chandeliers used in the Residence.

The installation of Michael Craig-Martin's painting Untitled in the Small Dining Room of the British Ambassador's Residence.

Historical paintings include James Lonsdale’s full-length portrait from 1815 of the first Duke of Wellington, who was heavily involved in the 1814 Congress of Vienna after the Napoleonic Wars. Carel Weight’s four topographical views, painted during his visit to Vienna as official war artist in 1945, also feature.

Another view of the Small Dining Room of the British Ambassador's Residence showing Michael Craig-Martin's painting Housework.

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