Admire previously unseen works by the original illustrator of Frankenstein at the birthplace of his great nephew, Gustav Holst, as the Holst Victorian House hosts 'Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites'.
What to expect from 'Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites' at Holst Victorian House
Theodor von Holst – great-uncle to Cheltenham composer Gustav Holst – blended the gothic and the romantic in his bold, dramatic artworks, and was the creator of some of the world's first 'stunners'.
He was the first illustrator of Mary Shelley's literary masterpiece, Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus, and had a great influence on the artists who eventually formed the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who was one of Theodor's greatest admirers.
This new exhibition brings together rarely seen works from private collections, displayed alongside Holst Victorian House’s own permanent collection. Highlights include a recently-discovered self portrait, and the
last painting Theodor ever exhibited at the Royal Academy, 'Spanish Lady'.
As the birthplace of Gustav Holst and a unique period home and museum, Holst Victorian House provides the perfect canvas for this unique exhibition, which takes over the Drawing Room and the Bedroom, giving visitors the chance to see these artworks in the kind of place where Theodor himself would have lived.
When is 'Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites' at Holst Victorian House?
Theodor von Holst's work is on display Tuesday to Sunday from Saturday 10 October 2026 until Sunday 30 May 2027. The museum is closed on Mondays, excluding bank holidays.
How much are tickets for 'Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites' at Holst Victorian House?
The exhibition is included within the price of admission to Holst Victorian House, which costs £10 for adults, £5 for young adults aged 16 to 25, and is free for under 16s when visiting with a paying adult.
How to book 'Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites' at Holst Victorian House
To visit, book online in advance at holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-theodor-von-holst-from-frankenstein-to-the-pre-raphaelites. Tickets can also be purchased upon arrival at the museum.
