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Possibly the most cultured woman in Europe
Trail blazers do not always come from the most likely beginnings. The daughter of middle-class, Swiss parents, Angelica Kauffman came from an unremarkable background but she was a child prodigy. In her early years, her talent for painting was matched by her singing voice and she had to make a choice between the two careers. She chose art and by the time she was nine was supporting her parents. They travelled widely, spending time in Italy and 15…
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Strawberry Hill
This wonderful Georgian Gothic Revival villa has been on our list for a while, so we are delighted to be able to share it with you today. It was built for Horace Walpole (Earl of Orford) from 1749 and has the most amazing set of eccentric interiors which would be worthy of a film set. Even in his day they caused a sensation. The peer wanted to create a “little gothic castle” and he incorporated many design elements…
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Snowdrops
Yesterday’s finer weather has brought out more of the snowdrops in the garden. They are cultivars and we pick one bunch every year, to enjoy indoors. They have a very delicate scent and we have a few different varieties, including a very pretty double. We could not resist the flower brick in the gift shop at Blenheim Palace last year. It’s the creation of renowned Oxfordshire based ceramist Deborah Sears. Her company ISIS Ceramics, makes beautiful pieces in…
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In the Scottish Style
Tonight, we will be celebrating Burns Night with a haggis supper, an occasion much enjoyed by Mr ITES who hails from across the border. In honour of this important date, we are sharing a few of our favourite paintings by celebrated Scottish portrait painter, Henry Raeburn. Born in 1756, Sir Henry started off as an apprentice to the goldsmith, James Gilliland of Edinburgh, before taking an interest in oil painting. He was self-taught, and Gilliland, keen to encourage…
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Kedleston Hall
The Saloon at Kedleston Hall, has an impressive domed Robert Adam ceiling, which was inspired by the architect’s visits to the Pantheon in Rome. The room was occasionally used for balls and has a wooden spring floor. Its main purpose, however, was simply to impress and fill the mind with ‘extensive thoughts’. Whilst the dome itself is ornate and intricate, the surrounding walls are calming with their muted palette and elegant neoclassical designs. Just imagine how wonderful it…
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The youngest Brontë sister
Anne Brontë was born on this day in 1820, she was the youngest of six children. Her father Patrick was the perpetual curate at Howarth in Yorkshire. Her mother Maria died the year after she was born. Her four elder two sisters Maria, Elizabeth, Charlotte and Emily were all sent away to school. The regime was tough and the two older girls died in 1825 from poor diet and TB. Maria was 11 and Elizabeth was only 10.…
