Houghton Hall
Mar 16, 2013 5:05:44 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2013 5:05:44 GMT -5
Good morning you all! Writing in 'FT Weekend', Nathan Brooker visits homes, from Norfolk to New York, built specifically to house art collections. Houghton Hall in Norfolk, southeast England, appears much the same as many other Georgian country estates: a place to feed the gun dogs and swaddle infants legitimate and otherwise. But Houghton, built in the 1720s for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first de facto prime minister, has a surprising purpose: it was built for art. “Walpole had homes all over London [including No 10 Downing Street], but he wanted a place where he could entertain and show off his fabulous collection,” says Lord Cholmondeley, current owner of the estate and direct descendant of Walpole. Nathan concludes thus:
FT - Houses built for art collections
In terms of housing, Sydney Grew, we ultimately want to live and work and play in places where we feel comfortable. I propose some toast: to Sydney Grew, The Third and all of you! Three cheers from kleines c and the gang (Saturday morning breakfast coffee)!
' ... And that is really what it comes down to: whether it is comfortable to live in a house built to display art. Lord Cholmondeley says it can be: “I think Houghton has an incredibly warm atmosphere. Some of the state rooms can be a little daunting, but I certainly loved coming here as a child when my grandparents owned the house. It’s a friendly place, I think, and the paintings are bit like old friends returning.” '
FT - Houses built for art collections
In terms of housing, Sydney Grew, we ultimately want to live and work and play in places where we feel comfortable. I propose some toast: to Sydney Grew, The Third and all of you! Three cheers from kleines c and the gang (Saturday morning breakfast coffee)!