London's hidden museums and libraries
The quirkier and unsung enclaves of curios in the capital
Courtauld Gallery
Tucked away in Somerset House, the Courtauld may not have a major visible presence, but it contains many of London's major artworks and, unlike the National or the Tates, there's no need for a ticketed time slot to control overcrowded galleries. In fact, on most visits one has the luxury of the place almost to oneself; surprising as the Courtauld has several paintings that would be the centrepiece of any blockbuster. Cranach, Rubens, Botticelli, Goya, Monet, Renoir... Need we go on?
