Wallace Collection of the wealthiest families in Europe. They owned large properties in England, Wales and Ireland, and increased their wealth through successful marriages. Politically of lesser importance, the 3rd and 4th Marquess and Sir Richard Wallace became leading art collectors of their time. The Wallace Collection, comprising about 5,500 works of art, was bequeathed to the British nation by Lady Wallace in 1897. The state then decided to buy Hertford House to display the collection and it was opened as a museum in 1900. As a museum the Wallace Collection's main strength is perhaps its extraordinary array of 18th-century French art:
Firestone Collection of Canadian Art Funds from the sale of the Firestone home went towards renovating Arts Court, including the creation of the Firestone Gallery, and maintaining the collection. Since then, the art collection, now known as the Firestone Collection of Canadian Art (FCCA) has been featured in rotating displays at the Ottawa Art Gallery, including thematically curated exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition. After being sold and rented for several years, the Firestone home was eventually demolished in 2007 by the owner due to the amount of repairs needed (heating issues and moisture damage). The new home built in place of the Firestone