Ambassador from the United States Decorates London Residence with Pieces from Monet and Cézanne Art collections.

Warren Stephens, the Impressionist Ambassador

Warren Stephens, the new American ambassador to Britain, is making a significant impact with his distinctive art collection at Winfield House in Regent's Park. As the head of Stephens Inc, an investment firm, Stephens has amassed a fortune estimated at $3.5 billion by Forbes, part of which he has used to curate an impressive collection of Impressionist artworks.

Stephens and his wife, Harriet, have installed several masterpieces in Winfield House. The centrepiece of the collection is Monet's Effet de soleil couchant sur la Seine à Port-Villez (1883), which hangs above the drawing-room mantelpiece. Other noteworthy additions include a Cézanne, a Renoir, a Degas, and a Monet, as well as a Pissarro canvas of Kensington Gardens.

The Stephens family began assembling their art collection in partnership with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Their collection, however, is privately owned and not permanent fixtures in Winfield House. This sets Stephens apart from most ambassadors who have relied on loans from the State Department's "Art in Embassies" program.

Stephens' ancestry traces back to England and Scotland, a connection that may have influenced his decision to bring these artworks to Winfield House. His wife, Harriet, also shares the same ancestry.

Stephens is known for his regular visits to Donald Trump's Turnberry resort in Scotland. In 2021, he contributed $4 million to Trump's inauguration festivities. His connection to Trump, however, does not seem to have influenced his art choices, as the collection in Winfield House emphasizes Impressionism.

Winfield House, a 1930s neo-Georgian mansion with the largest private garden in London after Buckingham Palace, serves as a signal of taste and status for visiting ministers, business leaders, and foreign dignitaries. The art collection within its walls is no exception, offering a glimpse into the refined sensibilities of the American ambassador.

Stephens' grandfather served with the Allied Expeditionary Force in the First World War, further connecting him to the history and culture of the United Kingdom. His decision to bring his Impressionist art collection to Winfield House not only enhances the ambassador's residence but also contributes to the rich tapestry of art and diplomacy in Britain.

Ambassador from the United States Decorates London Residence with Pieces from Monet and Cézanne Art collections.