Christopher Rowell has just published a new book about the house which probably contains the richest collection of fine and decorative arts, furnishings and books in any of the historic places owned by the National Trust.
The Marble Hall at Petworth, probably built to a design by Daniel Marot. ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel
Petworth: the People and the Place is the second in a new series of books based on the more substantial type of National Trust guidebook, but rewritten and redesigned to include new photography and the latest research.
Wooden cherubs supplied by the workshop of Grinling Gibbons to the 7th Duke of Somerset for the Carved Room at Petworth. ©National Trust Images/Stuart Cox
During much of its history the Petworth estate was part of the huge aristocratic empire of the Percys and latterly the Seymours which also included Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Syon Park in Isleworth and Northumberland House in central London. This partly explains the richness of the collections at Petworth.
The Grand Staircase at Petworth with murals by Louis Laguerre. ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel
In the 1690s Charles Seymour, the 6th Duke of Somerset, and his wife Lady Elizabeth Percy turned Petworth into a baroque palace. The building was probably remodeled by Daniel Marot, and many of the most splendid furnishings and works of art date from this period.
Italian sgabello chairs of about 1640, the earliest surviving examples in England, at the bottom of the Grand Staircase at Petworth. ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel
The 6th Duke’s grandson, the 2nd Earl of Egremont, added furniture and furnishings in the rococo style as well nearly 200 paintings and some 70 pieces of antique sculpture.
The Square Dining Room at Petworth, with its rococo furnishings. ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel
The 3rd Earl of Egremont was noted for his ‘abundant though not very refined hospitality’, for his many dogs and host of illegitimate children, but also for his patronage of J.M.W. Turner, who painted numerous views of the house and the park.
Detail of the Exeter carpet, dated 1758, on the Grand Staircase at Petworth. ©National Trust Images/John Hammond
In 1947 Petworth was donated to the National Trust by the 3rd Lord Leconfield. After Lord Leconfield’s death his nephew, the 1st Lord Egremont, pioneered the practice of offering outstanding works of art and other historical objects to the Government in lieu of inheritance tax. The current Lord and Lady Egremont still reside at Petworth and have lent items from their personal collection to further enhance the rooms open to the public.
The Rotunda, built in about 1760, in the Pleasure Ground at Petworth. ©National Trust Images/David Levenson
Christopher’s book can be purchased through the National Trust bookshop as well as through Amazon.
November 23, 2012 at 16:21 |
The image of the Grand Staircase is stunning — I’m so glad one can click to enlarge it!
November 23, 2012 at 16:30 |
Yes it is a great image isn’t it? I like the different colours and textures in the semi-gloom. And Andreas von Einsiedel is such a stylish photographer.
November 23, 2012 at 23:41 |
I love the detail of the Exeter carpet and the Marble Hall is spectacular.
November 25, 2012 at 06:51 |
Carolcork, yes the ‘strewn’ flowers against the chequerboard background are amazing aren’t they?
November 26, 2012 at 21:38 |
One of my favorite houses – and a highlight of Attingham. KDM
November 27, 2012 at 16:39 |
Lucky you, having had the Attingham expert-guided experience