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Beckford’s Tower
If you drive into Bath along the Lansdown Road you will pass Beckford’s Tower on the right. This extraordinary architectural folly was built in 1827 in the neoclassical style on Lansdown Hill. It was financed by an eccentric, wealthy local resident, William Beckford. He was an art collector, novelist, art collector and critic. He used the tower as a retreat and library, with the cupola at the top providing views over the surrounding countryside. However, as was sadly…
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‘I had these eight English Countesses in the car once!’
On this day, Mum was in her element having just picked up some lovely mezzotints from an auction house in the South of England. They feature eight English countesses by Pierre Lombart (1613-1681) after Sir Anthony Van Dyck. We think the original paintings are in Petworth House and hope to visit them soon. Buying at auction is great fun and there are lovely things just waiting to be found, often at very reasonable prices. If you can’t view…
