On this special tour, American Friends of British Art supporters convened in London, where we first toured the Society of Antiquaries of London. This historic institution houses a significant collection of art, artifacts and archives, all carefully preserved and curated.
Our next visit was to Windsor Castle, guided by Mr. Oliver Everett, the former Royal Librarian to Windsor Castle. Oliver showed us through the State Rooms as well as the library and archives, which are not accessible to the general public. Here we viewed select pieces by Albrecht Dürer and the famous Leonardo da Vinci folio of anatomical drawings, comprising part of the Royal Collection. We also learned about the catastrophic fire of 1992 and the enormous restoration that followed.
Leaving Windsor and heading to King’s Lynn in Norfolk, we were greeted by author and architectural historian (the late) Prof David Watkin. David painstakingly restored an historic merchant’s house in King’s Lynn, which includes an impressive library, a walled garden, and a collection of Stuart portraits. A short departure from King’s Lynn brought us to Sandringham House, best known as the private home of the British sovereign. Here we admired the Edwardian interiors and the attractive gardens of this special property.
Just a short drive away, we spent a day at Houghton Hall, built by first Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole in the early 18th century. Houghton’s grand interiors by William Kent were rivaled in beauty by the spectacular walled garden and the extensive vistas surrounding the Palladian-style house, which is home to the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley.
Our last stop was to the early 17th century Raynham Hall, occupied by the 8th Marquess Townshend, and with neoclassical interiors designed by William Kent. Raynham Hall contains some of the most beautiful plasterwork ceilings in all of England. Here we had the unique experience of a harpsichord and mandolin recital in the Marble Hall, organized by the Marchioness Townshend, followed by dinner in the State Dining Room.
