British Culture - User contributions [en]

Sandringham House

2010-07-13T07:08:53Z

Julle: Created page with 'Sandringham House is situated in the county of Norfolk and is privately owned by the Queen. As a country house it has been the private home of four generations of Sovereigns sinc…'

Sandringham House is situated in the county of Norfolk and is privately owned by the Queen. As a country house it has been the private home of four generations of Sovereigns since 1862.
Sandringham, like Balmoral Castle, is hold privately and not as a sovereign by Elizabeth II. It is commercially run by the Land Agent on Her behalf. Sandringham consists of commercial as well as residental properties. While about 50% is led to farm tenants the rest is being farmed in hand or used for forestry. Sandringham is well-known for it’s fruit farms and studs.

Compared to other royal residences Sandringham has a rather short history. In 1861 Queen Victoria and her husband Albert decided to purchase an estate for their eldest son Albert Edward Prince of Wales, who later reigned as Edward VII., which should function as retreat for the young man, away from the distractions of the city.
When Prince Albert died from typhoid in December 1861 it was left up to Albert Edward to decide whether to purchase the country house or not. Finally the estate with all the furnishings was bought for around £ 220000 and functioned as new residence for Albert Edward and his wife, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who he had married in March 1863.

The newly-wed couple had the house extended and made several improvements to the estate. New roads had been constructed and the landscaping and cottages rebuilt. In order to accommodate the famous Norwich Gates a new garden wall was built. When it turned out that the existing house was neither suitable for larger feasts and social gatherings nor for a growing family, the Prince of Wales ordered a complete reshaping under the architect A.J. Humbert in the years between 1867 and 1870.

“Architecturally, like most buildings commissioned by the royal family in the nineteenth century, Sandringham is not outstanding; its interest and importance lies in its royal ownership and its survival, virtually unchanged, as an example of a country house estate of the Edwardian era.”(Jones 247) Although the style of the estate, built of red brick with pale Ketton stone details, has been referred to as “Jacobethean”, a mix of architectural elements from the Elizabethan sixteenth century and the Jacobean era of the early seventeenth century, some of the characteristics like the bay windows, towers, tall chimneys and turrets are examples of pure mid-Victorian times.

During the reign of King George V. a new tradition emerged at Sandringham. In 1932 the first Christmas-day broadcast to the Empire was made from the business-room and it was in 1957 when Elizabeth II. chose Sandringham’s library as location for her first televised broadcast.
The Royal Family’s attachment to the country retreat has remained strong and therefore it is Sandringham House where Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family regularly spend Christmas.

Jones, Nigel R. ''Architecture of England, Scotland, and Wales Westport (Reference Guides to National Architecture)''. Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2005.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/

http://www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/

Royal Collection

2010-05-31T13:17:40Z

Julle: Created page with ''''The Royal Collection''' The Royal Collection is the art collection of the British Royal Family. Although it is property of the monarch as sovereign, the Queen does not own it…'

'''The Royal Collection'''

The Royal Collection is the art collection of the British Royal Family. Although it is property of the monarch as sovereign, the Queen does not own it as private individual. The Royal Collection is held in trust for the Queen’s successors and the British nation. Housing several thousand pieces of art, the Royal Collection may be regarded as one of the world’s greatest art collections. The present collection does not only include fine art, such as paintings, drawings and sculpture. Large parts of the stock consist of decorative art. Jewellery, ceramics, clocks and silver belong to the collection as well as books, manuscripts, prints and maps, armour and various textiles.

The Royal Collection is on display at several locations including royal palaces and residences such as Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, all of which are open to the public. On the one hand the works of art may be seen in their historic setting, on the other hand it is possible to discover them in the purpose-built Queen’s Galleries. The latter offer a changing programme of special exhibitions. In order to exhibit as many pieces of art and broaden public access, over 3.000 objects from the Royal Collection are on long-term loan to galleries and museums around the UK and abroad.

Although some surviving items belong to earlier monarchs such as Henry VIII, the Royal Collection has largely been formed since the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Unlike museum collections the Royal Collection developed out of personal interests and acquisitive instincts. Within the last 500 years the personal tastes of British queens and kings had a lasting effect on the Royal Collection. Some of the most important additions were given to the collection by Charles I. who was not only a passionate collector of Old Masters but a keen patron of contemporary artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck. Especially during his reign the quality and quantity of the purchased pictures established the Collection’s high status. Another landmark is the acquisition of the Öttingen-Wallerstein collection of early Italian, German and Flemish pictures under Queen Victoria.
The various pieces of art entered the Collection either by means of purchase or exchange, confiscation or as (diplomatic) gifts.

'''The Royal Collection Trust'''

The Royal Collection does not receive public subsidy or Government funding, but is administered by the Royal Collection Trust. It was founded by the Queen in 1993 as a registered charity under the chairmanship of the Prince of Wales.
The Trust’s role is not only to ensure the proper custodial control of the Collection but also to guarantee the conservation and maintenance to the highest standards. Another aim is to display to the public as much of the Collection as possible.

References

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/

http://www.royal.gov.uk/

Westminster Abbey

2010-05-03T11:31:03Z

Julle:

'''Westminster Abbey'''

The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter in Westminster, commonly known as Westminster Abbey, is located to the west of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).
It is one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain. Due to its superb fusion of various arts it may be regarded as a ''Gesamtkunstwerk''. Besides its architecture Westminster Abbey’s totality includes masterpieces of painting, stained glass and sculpture. Furthermore it houses collections of pavement, textiles, plates and other artefacts.

With respect to the fact that Westminster Abbey does not house a bishop’s throne it does not hold the status of a cathedral. It was re-established as a ‘royal peculiar’, which means that it is a free chapel of the sovereign, exempt from any ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

The recorded history of Westminster Abbey begins in Edward the Confessor’s time. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, Westminster - as early as 960 a group of Benedictine monks had settled on ‘Thorney Island’ - first became important when King Edward the Confessor refounded it in the eleventh century. He established his royal palace near the monastic community and decided to build a new church, which was dedicated to St. Peter in reparation for not making a promised pilgrimage to Rome. The consecration took place on 28 December 1065. By placing the abbey and the royal palace side by side the bond between church and state was strengthened.

Even though King Edward could be seen as Westminster Abbey’s founder, nowadays it is Henry III who is considered to be the father of the present church, due to his rebuilding of the Norman fabric. His plan was driven forward by three main ideas. The abbey’s magnificence should not only promote the glory of God, but provide a place fit for the great occasion of a coronation. Furthermore the newly built church was meant to function as an adequate burying place for himself and his successors.

Westminster Abbey is the most French in style of all English medieval churches. When Henry III decided to reconstruct the abbey in 1245 he instructed the executing architects to model the church on French cathedrals such as Reims, Amiens and Chartres.
During the centuries Westminster Abbey underwent various architectural additions and changes. It was not before 1745 that the last phase of building was fineshed by the completion of the west front.

== Coronations and Burials ==

Since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066, coronations of English and British monarchs were held in the abbey. In addition, Westminster Abbey functions as burial site not only for kings and queens but also for many famous poets, writers, aristocrats, scientists and politicians.

Sources

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

Jenkyns, Richard. ''Westminster Abbey''. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2005.

Westminster Abbey

2010-05-03T11:24:15Z

Julle: Created page with ''''Westminster Abbey''' The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter in Westminster, commonly known as Westminster Abbey, is located to the west of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of…'

'''Westminster Abbey'''

The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter in Westminster, commonly known as Westminster Abbey, is located to the west of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).
It is one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain. Due to its superb fusion of various arts it may be regarded as a ''Gesamtkunstwerk''. Besides its architecture Westminster Abbey’s totality includes masterpieces of painting, stained glass and sculpture. Furthermore it houses collections of pavement, textiles, plates and other artefacts.

With respect to the fact that Westminster Abbey does not house a bishop’s throne it does not hold the status of a cathedral. It was re-established as a ‘royal peculiar’, which means that it is a free chapel of the sovereign, exempt from any ecclasiastical jurisdiction.

The recorded history of Westminster Abbey begins in Edward the Confessor’s time. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter, Westminster - as early as 960 a group of Benedictine monks had settled on ‘Thorney Island’ - first became important when King Edward the Confessor refounded it in the eleventh century. He established his royal palace near the monastic community and decided to build a new church, which was dedicated to St. Peter in reparation for not making a promised pilgrimage to Rome. The consecration took place on 28 December 1065. By placing the abbey and the royal palace side by side the bond between church and state was strengthened.

Even though King Edward could be seen as Westminster Abbey’s founder, nowadays it it Henry III who is considered to be the father of the present church, due to his rebuilding of the Norman fabric. His plan was driven forward by three main ideas. The abbey’s magnificence should not only promote the glory of God, but provide a place fit for the great occasion of a coronation. Furthermore the newly built church was meant to function as an adequate burying place for himself and his successors.

Westminster Abbey is the most French in style of all English medieval churches. When Henry III decided to reconstruct the abbey in 1245 he instructed the executing architects to model the church on French cathedrals such as Reims, Amiens and Chartres.
During the centuries Westminster Abbey underwent various architectural additions and changes. It was not before 1745 that the last phase of building was fineshed by the completion of the west front.

== Coronations and Burials ==

Since William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066, coronations of English and British monarchs were held in the abbey. In addition, Westminster Abbey functions as burial site not only for kings and queens but also for many famous poets, writers, aristocrats, scientists and politicians.

Sources

http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

Jenkyns, Richard. ''Westminster Abbey''. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2005.

Andrea Palladio

2010-01-23T17:59:43Z

Julle: Created page with 'Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, known to history as "Palladio", was born in 1508 in Padua, a city in northern Italy then ruled by the Venetian Republic. Palladio’s innovative t…'

Andrea di Pietro della Gondola, known to history as "Palladio", was born in 1508 in Padua, a city in northern Italy then ruled by the Venetian Republic.
Palladio’s innovative theories revolutionized Western architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries. His status as one of the most influential architects in the history of architecture was ensured by his revolutionary treatise ''I Quattro Libri dell' Architettura'' (1570).

When Andrea was thirteen years old he was apprenticed to a stonecutter in Padua but broke his contract after only eighteen months and fled to Vicenza, where he became an assistant in the leading workshops of masons and stonecutters.
In 1537 he was engaged by Gian Giorgio Trissino, Italian Renaissance humanist and one of the period’s leading scholars, to assist in the rebuilding of Trissino’s villa in Cricoli. This acquaintance had a lasting effect on Andrea. Trissino assumed the role as mentor and introduced him to various disciplines of Renaissance education. He encouraged Andrea’s study of classical arts, literature and architecture and gave him the opportunity to enrich his knowledge of antique buildings during several stays in Rome.
Andrea gradually became acquainted with the principles of the Renaissance commentator Leon Battista Alberti and the theories of Vitruvius, the classical Roman architect whose treatise had been rediscovered in the prior century.
Moreover was Trissino’s protégé introduced to an influential circle of patrons and through personal contact he became acquainted with the ideas and works of Giulio Romano and Sebastiano Serlio.
Trissino bestowed upon Andrea his new name by which he was to become famous: Palladio. The name may be regarded as allusion to the Greek goddess of wisdom: Pallas Athene.

Although Palladio designed and built various civic and religious buildings in Vicenza and Venice, his greatest contribution to the history of architecture were the country houses – called “villas” - built for wealthy landowners of the Veneto. One of the most famous examples is the Villa Capra which is also known as La Rotonda (1566).

In the villas Palladio reworked what he perceived to be timeless and universal principles newly rediscovered from the past. He opposed the rather rich ornamental style of the Renaissance with ideas based on mathematical proportion. Palladio was inspired by Roman temple facades, which he used as model. This influence later became a trademark of “Palladianism”.

Most of the temple-like villas, which are characterized by a distinct reference between building and setting, were built with three floors. The combination of a rusticated basement, a piano nobile and a mezzanine are characteristic for Palladio’s architecture, which is based on clarity and symmetry. Another feature of the Palladian style is the use of the portico with a noble flight step leading up to it. The Serlian window may be also regarded as trademark of his architecture.

In 1570 Palladio published the masterwork that established and ensured his place in architectural history, ''I Quattro Libri dell' Architettura'', an architectural treatise which summarized Palladio’s outstanding theories and teachings.
The treatise set out his architectural principles as well as practical advice for builders and was completed with a set of precise woodcuts drawn from his own works to illustrate his theory. I Quattro Libri dell' Architettura was subsequently translated into every European language and was praised among the international audience. With this landmark in book design – it was the first time an architect published his own works – Palladio gained wide recognition.

Palladio died in 1580.

'''References'''

http://www.boglewood.com/palladio/

http://www.architecture.com/LibraryDrawingsAndPhotographs/Palladio/PalladioAndBritain.aspx

http://www.andrea-palladio.de/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123603460173214171.html?mod=article-outset-box

http://www.andreapalladio500.it/

Strawberry Hill

2009-12-14T16:25:28Z

Julle:

Strawberry Hill is the finest example of the Gothic Revival architecture and interior decoration in England and the country seat of Horace Walpole (1717 –1797), 4th Earl of Orford.

Strawberry Hill started life in 1698 as a small tenement. The three storey house was built by the Earl of Bredford’s coachmen and was called by the common people “Chopp’d Straw-Hall”. It was this undersized, modest building which was rented by Horace Walpole in 1747. As the youngest son of Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole he had the means to purchase the property at Twickenham and bought the estate by Act of Parliament in 1748. Shortly afterwards he initiated the rebuilding of the small cottage and immediately started the alterations. By bringing back the Gothic style medieval forms were revived in order to oppose to the classical styles which dominated at the time.

The transformation into a Gothic castle took several years and is characterised by alterations of and additions to the existing building. Between 1747 and 1792 Walpole increased the estate’s size - he expanded the grounds of the estate by degrees from its original 5 to 46 acres - created Gothic rooms and added towers and battlements in order to increase the impression of a medieval castle. The library for example was entirely new built in 1753, the gallery, round tower and cabinet in 1760-61 and the great north bed-chamber in 1770. Finally, in 1776 the Beauclerc Tower with its hexagon closet was finished. Above all, Walpole landscaped the garden with Gothic architectural features. The cost for turning Strawberry Hill into a celebrated example of the Neo-Gothic amounted to almost £21,000.

'''The “Committee of Taste”'''

Due to the fact that the result of the project should first and foremost meet Walpole’s own aesthetic vision and requirements he established the “Committee of Taste” in spring 1750. The committee, consisting of himself, amateur architect John Chute and draftsman Richard Bentley, devoted itself to the idea of finding a new style which had to be adequate for the estate. While John Chute may be considered as the main antiquarian and heraldic influence, Richard Bentley focused on the interiors and decoration. Each modification had to promote the gothicising of Strawberry Hill.

The fascination which originates from the building rests upon various elements of surprise, emphasised by the diversity of the interior and exterior outlook. Further on the theatrical use of light and colour contributes to the atmosphere of the house. Beside the distinct interest in the design of fireplaces, ceilings and staircases, Walpole developed an affinity for painted glass with rustic and biblical scenes and heraldry. He primarily used stained glass of English, Dutch or Flemish origin, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. By using spolia of this sort he wanted to enrich the gothic windows and above all a lively and colourful background for the carefully contrived displays within the rooms should be created.

His Grand Tour and the travels through England inspired him just as the study of various folios of engravings which depicted interiors, roofs and ornaments of great gothic abbeys and cathedrals. By doing so he hoped to find source material for the rebuilding. The selection of inspirational material showed a marked affinity with the Perpendicular period of 1330-1550. The Committee’s method was to take numerous details of Gothic buildings, such as decorative elements of exterior medieval Gothic which were then used for the interior decoration, and utilize them for the purpose. Although Walpole’s approach is not at all scholarly and his style anything but “authentic”, he tried to keep up the appearance of authenticity. He merely ornamented his residence with details borrowed from the fourteenth or fifteenth century. The Gothic style functions as source of inspiration and was primarily used for its picturesque qualities. Stylistic elements are reproduced without regard for either original function or meaning.

'''Sources
'''

Chalcraft, Anna; Judith Viscardi. ''Strawberry Hill: Horace Walpole’s Gothic Castle''. London: Frances Lincoln, 2007.

Furgusson, James. ''History of the Modern Styles of Architecture: Being a Sequel to the Handbook of Architecture''. London: J.Murray, 1862.

Miller, Norbert. ''Strawberry Hill - Horace Walpole und die Ästhetik der schönen Umgebung''. München: Hanser, 1986.

http://www.friendsofstrawberryhill.org/

Strawberry Hill

2009-12-14T16:24:49Z

Julle:

Strawberry Hill is the finest example of the Gothic Revival architecture and interior decoration in England and the country seat of Horace Walpole (1717 –1797), 4th Earl of Orford.

Strawberry Hill started life in 1698 as a small tenement. The three storey house was built by the Earl of Bredford’s coachmen and was called by the common people “Chopp’d Straw-Hall”. It was this undersized, modest building which was rented by Horace Walpole in 1747. As the youngest son of Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole he had the means to purchase the property at Twickenham and bought the estate by Act of Parliament in 1748. Shortly afterwards he initiated the rebuilding of the small cottage and immediately started the alterations. By bringing back the Gothic style medieval forms were revived in order to oppose to the classical styles which dominated at the time.

The transformation into a Gothic castle took several years and is characterised by alterations of and additions to the existing building. Between 1747 and 1792 Walpole increased the estate’s size - he expanded the grounds of the estate by degrees from its original 5 to 46 acres - created Gothic rooms and added towers and battlements in order to increase the impression of a medieval castle. The library for example was entirely new built in 1753, the gallery, round tower and cabinet in 1760-61 and the great north bed-chamber in 1770. Finally, in 1776 the Beauclerc Tower with its hexagon closet was finished. Above all, Walpole landscaped the garden with Gothic architectural features. The cost for turning Strawberry Hill into a celebrated example of the Neo-Gothic amounted to almost £21,000.

'''The “Committee of Taste”'''

Due to the fact that the result of the project should first and foremost meet Walpole’s own aesthetic vision and requirements he established the “Committee of Taste” in spring 1750. The committee, consisting of himself, amateur architect John Chute and draftsman Richard Bentley, devoted itself to the idea of finding a new style which had to be adequate for the estate. While John Chute may be considered as the main antiquarian and heraldic influence, Richard Bentley focused on the interiors and decoration. Each modification had to promote the gothicising of Strawberry Hill.

The fascination which originates from the building rests upon various elements of surprise, emphasised by the diversity of the interior and exterior outlook. Further on the theatrical use of light and colour contributes to the atmosphere of the house. Beside the distinct interest in the design of fireplaces, ceilings and staircases, Walpole developed an affinity for painted glass with rustic and biblical scenes and heraldry. He primarily used stained glass of English, Dutch or Flemish origin, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. By using spolia of this sort he wanted to enrich the gothic windows and above all a lively and colourful background for the carefully contrived displays within the rooms should be created.

His Grand Tour and the travels through England inspired him just as the study of various folios of engravings which depicted interiors, roofs and ornaments of great gothic abbeys and cathedrals. By doing so he hoped to find source material for the rebuilding. The selection of inspirational material showed a marked affinity with the Perpendicular period of 1330-1550. The Committee’s method was to take numerous details of Gothic buildings, such as decorative elements of exterior medieval Gothic which were then used for the interior decoration, and utilize them for the purpose. Although Walpole’s approach is not at all scholarly and his style anything but “authentic”, he tried to keep up the appearance of authenticity. He merely ornamented his residence with details borrowed from the fourteenth or fifteenth century. The Gothic style functions as source of inspiration and was primarily used for its picturesque qualities. Stylistic elements are reproduced without regard for either original function or meaning.

'''Sources
'''

Chalcraft, Anna; Judith Viscardi. Strawberry Hill: Horace Walpole’s Gothic Castle. London: Frances Lincoln, 2007.

Furgusson, James. History of the Modern Styles of Architecture: Being a Sequel to the Handbook of Architecture. London: J.Murray, 1862.

Miller, Norbert. Strawberry Hill - Horace Walpole und die Ästhetik der schönen Umgebung. München: Hanser, 1986.

http://www.friendsofstrawberryhill.org/

Strawberry Hill

2009-12-14T16:24:31Z

Julle: Created page with ' Strawberry Hill is the finest example of the Gothic Revival architecture and interior decoration in England and the country seat of Horace Walpole (1717 –1797), 4th Earl of O…'

Strawberry Hill is the finest example of the Gothic Revival architecture and interior decoration in England and the country seat of Horace Walpole (1717 –1797), 4th Earl of Orford.

Strawberry Hill started life in 1698 as a small tenement. The three storey house was built by the Earl of Bredford’s coachmen and was called by the common people “Chopp’d Straw-Hall”. It was this undersized, modest building which was rented by Horace Walpole in 1747. As the youngest son of Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole he had the means to purchase the property at Twickenham and bought the estate by Act of Parliament in 1748. Shortly afterwards he initiated the rebuilding of the small cottage and immediately started the alterations. By bringing back the Gothic style medieval forms were revived in order to oppose to the classical styles which dominated at the time.

The transformation into a Gothic castle took several years and is characterised by alterations of and additions to the existing building. Between 1747 and 1792 Walpole increased the estate’s size - he expanded the grounds of the estate by degrees from its original 5 to 46 acres - created Gothic rooms and added towers and battlements in order to increase the impression of a medieval castle. The library for example was entirely new built in 1753, the gallery, round tower and cabinet in 1760-61 and the great north bed-chamber in 1770. Finally, in 1776 the Beauclerc Tower with its hexagon closet was finished. Above all, Walpole landscaped the garden with Gothic architectural features. The cost for turning Strawberry Hill into a celebrated example of the Neo-Gothic amounted to almost £21,000.

'''The “Committee of Taste”'''

Due to the fact that the result of the project should first and foremost meet Walpole’s own aesthetic vision and requirements he established the “Committee of Taste” in spring 1750. The committee, consisting of himself, amateur architect John Chute and draftsman Richard Bentley, devoted itself to the idea of finding a new style which had to be adequate for the estate. While John Chute may be considered as the main antiquarian and heraldic influence, Richard Bentley focused on the interiors and decoration. Each modification had to promote the gothicising of Strawberry Hill.

The fascination which originates from the building rests upon various elements of surprise, emphasised by the diversity of the interior and exterior outlook. Further on the theatrical use of light and colour contributes to the atmosphere of the house. Beside the distinct interest in the design of fireplaces, ceilings and staircases, Walpole developed an affinity for painted glass with rustic and biblical scenes and heraldry. He primarily used stained glass of English, Dutch or Flemish origin, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. By using spolia of this sort he wanted to enrich the gothic windows and above all a lively and colourful background for the carefully contrived displays within the rooms should be created.

His Grand Tour and the travels through England inspired him just as the study of various folios of engravings which depicted interiors, roofs and ornaments of great gothic abbeys and cathedrals. By doing so he hoped to find source material for the rebuilding. The selection of inspirational material showed a marked affinity with the Perpendicular period of 1330-1550. The Committee’s method was to take numerous details of Gothic buildings, such as decorative elements of exterior medieval Gothic which were then used for the interior decoration, and utilize them for the purpose. Although Walpole’s approach is not at all scholarly and his style anything but “authentic”, he tried to keep up the appearance of authenticity. He merely ornamented his residence with details borrowed from the fourteenth or fifteenth century. The Gothic style functions as source of inspiration and was primarily used for its picturesque qualities. Stylistic elements are reproduced without regard for either original function or meaning.

'''Sources
'''
Chalcraft, Anna; Judith Viscardi. Strawberry Hill: Horace Walpole’s Gothic Castle. London: Frances Lincoln, 2007.

Furgusson, James. History of the Modern Styles of Architecture: Being a Sequel to the Handbook of Architecture. London: J.Murray, 1862.

Miller, Norbert. Strawberry Hill - Horace Walpole und die Ästhetik der schönen Umgebung. München: Hanser, 1986.

http://www.friendsofstrawberryhill.org/

Blenheim Palace

2009-11-09T11:06:37Z

Julle: Created page with 'Situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house regarded as finest example of truly Baroque architecture in England. The estate’s name derives…'

Situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house regarded as finest example of truly Baroque architecture in England. The estate’s name derives from a decisive battle which took place on the 13th August 1704. Accordingly it is the wish to celebrate England’s victory over the French during the War of Spanish Succession which initiated the building. In particular it was a gift to the First Duke of Marlborough who successfully led allied forces into the Battle at Blindheim (Blenheim). A grateful Queen Anne rewarded the Duke for his services with the Royal Manor of Woodstock and the promise to provide the funds needed to build the estate.

In 1705 Sir John Vanbrugh, English dramatist and architect, was chosen by John Churchill to design the palace at Woodstock. Due to the fact that Vanbrugh was not a skilful and trained architect the project was realised with a great deal of involvement by the qualified and practical Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Nevertheless the construction process was not trouble free. Quarrels between the executive architect and the Duke’s wife, who hoped for a smaller and less luxurious country house designed for comfort first and status second, made the realisation difficult. Above all Queen Anne restricted the flow of money and the royal funds for the Palace dried up. On that account the building came to a halt in the summer of 1712 and eventually had to be completed at the Duke’s own expense. The building was commenced in 1705 but remained unfinished at the Duke’s death in 1722, taking another three years for completion.

“The style of the building, indeed, is in unison with its destination. It was intended to be a monument of immortal achievements, and it certainly appears well calculated for permanency.” (Eccles 10) The interiors balance the accurate with the awe-inspiring, starting with the vastness of the Great Hall to the detailed décor of the State Rooms. Blenheim Palace houses inestimable treasures of art and literature and especially the stunning State Rooms are filled with important and high-ranking paintings, amazing porcelain collections and magnificent tapestries.

'''The Garden'''

Queen Anne’s gardener Henry Wise designed the grounds of the palace. The formal style of André Le Nôtre’s famous gardens for Versailles and Vaux-Le-Vicomte in France served as model for the decoration. However just a few elements of Wise’s original landscaping remained. Due to the changes of taste in the mid-18th century Lancelot (Capability) Brown was charged with the reshaping of the grounds in a pastoral style of informal natural landscapes.
Architectural elements of the garden include the Grand Bridge and the Column of Victory, which was completed after Marlborough’s death in 1730. The Doric column with its impressive height of 40 metres is topped by the lead statue of the Duke, a visual reference to his success as commander.

In 1987 the palace and its surrounding property were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

'''Sources'''

Eccles, William: A New Guide to Blenheim, the Seat of the Duke of Marlborough. Woodstock: W. Eccles,1862.

"Blenheim Palace". Encyclopedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia. 07.Nov.2009.

http://www.cotswoldswebsite.com/blenheimpalace/

http://www.blenheimpalace.com/