This is the dining room at Eltham Palace, the boyhood home of Henry VIII. Naturally this part of the palace was not around in Henry VIII's time. It is part of the mansion that Stephen & Virginia Courtauld built in the 1930s next to the remains of Henry's palace.The Courtauld's incorporated the Great Hall into their mansion so you get this mix of over the top deco leading on to medieval masonry. The palace and gardens are now Grade II* listed and under the management of English Heritage and open to the public so we can all enjoy it. And when you go, make sure you have a look at the room where the Courtauld's pet ring-tailed lemur, Mah-Jongg, slept.
The decoration in the Dining Room has a Greek style to it as can clearly be seen on the fireplace, side table and the amazing doors featuring exotic (to England) animals including their beloved Mah-Jongg. The dining table can comfortably sit Stephen and Virginia and a dozen of their intimate friends. The simple stylish chairs covered in red leather matching the colour of the curtains.
The walls are lined with bird's eye maple giving the room a light feeling despite the black doors.A small clock of inlaid wood is set into the wood panelling and could easily be missed among the overall glamour of the room.
A stunning space and that's just one room in this spectacular mansion.
Eltham Palace and Gardens, English Heritage website
Yes a very interesting place and it's a great example of a site that shows building styles through the ages. How were you able to take photographs of the interior?
ReplyDeleteI agree Thomas. It was also occupied by the Army from around the end of WWII until the 1990s so it is surprising that it is in such good condition.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the photography goes, I just did the tour about 10 years ago.
That's great that it's open to the public and as you noted still in great condition. I doubt I'll ever get the chance to visit, but you never know.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Lisa
I have seen thousands of Deco houses/buildings from the outside but rarely do we get to see the interior architecture, furniture, textiles and decorative elements. And when we do, it is often a modernist view of what 1925-39 might have looked like. Well done, Eltham Palace.
ReplyDeleteNever say never Lisa. It is a fabulous place because you get the story of the Courtaulds from the 30s, the medieval history and the connection with royalty and then the gardens on top of that.
ReplyDeleteHels, English Heritage have done a great job. The circular Entrance Hall is also brilliant as are the bedrooms. There are some more pictures of the rest of the house on this blog post (http://emilyevanseerdmans.blogspot.com/2009/02/eltham-palace-deco-delight.html) if you are interested.