An extremely detailed look inside English country houses, offering unprecedented access to England's finest rooms. In this wonderful book, renowned historian Jeremy Musson explores the interior decoration and design of England's great country houses, providing an exquisitely detailed presentation of absolute style in each period of the country house, including great Jacobean mansions, Georgian manors, and Gothic Revival castles.
For the first time, houses known worldwide for their sophisticated architecture and decoration—including Wilton, Chatsworth, and Castle Howard—are seen in unprecedented detail. With intimate images of fabrics, gilt elements, woodwork, and furniture, the book will be a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and homeowners, while being essential for England enthusiasts and historic house aficionados.
The fifteen houses included represent the key periods in the history of English country house decoration and cover the main interior fashions and styles. Stunning new color photographs by Paul Barker, who had unrivaled access to the houses, offer readers fresh perspectives on the enduring English style of country houses. Additionally, unique black and white images from the archive of the authoritative magazine Country Life.
Among the aspects covered in the book are: wall paneling, fabric decorations (from silks to quilted), murals, plasterwork, sculptures, gilt elements, curtains, latticework, heroic decorations, classical iconography, early upholstered furniture, furniture designed by Thomas Chippendale, sculpted hearths, and much more.
The range includes the early Jacobean period to the present day, sourced from the authentic interiors of fifteen great country houses, almost all privately owned and still inhabited today. The book highlights the works of twentieth-century designers who have contributed to the evolution of country house style.
Pages: 272, Dimensions: 23.6x23.6cm
