The Country House: Past, Present, Future: Great Houses of
The British Isles
Written by Jeremy Musson and David Cannadine, Contribution
by The Royal Oak Foundation, Foreword by Tim Parker and Lynne Rickabaugh
This exciting new book on British country houses offers an
unusual and magnificent look at the lifestyle, architecture, and interior
design of the country house of the British Isles.
From Brideshead to Downton Abbey, the country house is a
subject of fantasy and curiosity, as well as a rich resource to explore the
history of great architecture and decoration and the lives of landowners and
those who made the houses work. With hundreds of photographs from the National
Trust, and others from public and private collections, this visually lavish
volume draws back the curtain on important historic homes in England, Wales,
Scotland, and Ireland. At the same time it reveals the complex stories of these
interiors, both grand and hidden, from great halls, libraries and entryways to
the kitchens and stables and gardens. Locations featured include Knole,
Cragside, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Polesden Lacey, Petworth, Bodiam Castle,
Blenheim, Longleat, and dozens more.
An insightful essay by renowned British author and historian
David Cannadine explores how the idea of the country house has changed over the
past forty years. Additional essays reflect on how changing twentieth century
values have impacted the country house, with contributions by writers and
scholars such as Sarah Callander-Beckett on the private house, Dr. Madge
Dresser on slavery and the country house, and Dr. Oliver Cox on the 'Downton
Abbey 'effect.' The texts are woven around extensive picture essays, introduced
and curated by country house specialist Jeremy Musson, which look at the
identity and image of British country houses of all kinds and the stories they
contain.
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteExteriors were usually dominating and clear in their message. But as you say, the interiors were more hidden and often complex. I would be keen to see what the great halls, libraries and art collections meant, especially in great houses that changed over the generations.