Historic Interiors of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland - Hardcover

Willes, Margaret

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810963884 ISBN 13: 9780810963887

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 1999

Synopsis

Historic interiors of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Book has over 140 pages of information and photos

About this title

Review

With its long and rich history, the United Kingdom boasts a remarkable wealth of styles in its period interiors. Escorting us not only through extraordinary spaces but through time as well, this volume leads us on a photographic tour of dozens of stately homes, from the late medieval splendor of Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire through the glittering rooms of Polesden Lacey, home of early 20th-century socialite Mrs. Greville, with stops at many splendid Elizabethan, 17th- and 18th-century, and Victorian residences. Unfortunately, the quality of the photography is uneven; many of the photos are good but a number of them do not sparkle as they should; some are underlit and murky and some include distracting glare from the windows. The serious student of architectural interior history may be somewhat dismayed at the book's organization: the format tries to echo the movement through a house, so that rather than a house-by-house survey we begin with halls, staircases, and long galleries, then proceed to living rooms, eating rooms, bedrooms, and finally rooms for contemplation (i.e., private chapels, libraries, print rooms). However, a vague attempt at a chronological progression of photographs within each chapter does hint at a progression of styles, and casual readers wanting to peek inside some unique and often luxuriant residences will find their curiosity rewarded. --Amy Handy

From the Publisher

Enter a world of exquisitely carved wood, superb paintings, delicate porcelain, and magnificent tapestries in this gloriously illustrated armchair tour of some of the finest interiors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Two acclaimed photographers have created stunning color images inside great estates, manors, and country houses owned and maintained by Britain's National Trust. From the grand staircase at Petworth in Sussex to the magnificent dining-room table at Polesden Lacey in Surrey, nearly 500 years of British interior design can be seen in these striking photographs. With a text that tells how the rooms in these houses have changed in style and use over time, this beautiful book will be treasured by anyone who's ever dreamed of living in-or just visiting-a stately, well-appointed home. 128 photographs in full color, 911/2 x 8 3/8" Andreas Von Einsiedel and Nadia Mackenzie are London-based photo g raphers who specialize in interiors. Margaret Willes, an author, preservationist, and lecturer, is publisher of Britain's National Trust.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0810963884
• ISBN 13: 9780810963887
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144