Over the weekend, I visited Britain's first Palladian building, Chiswick House in West London. I shall return in future to this little gem, but today I wanted to share some sepia pictures I took in the gardens, which I think capture a mood very well.
Designed in the 1720s, it replaced a Jacobean manor house on the site, and was the brainchild of the third Earl of Burlington, designed and built by architect William Kent. It's of huge architectural importance, and sits in wonderful but neglected and tired grounds. It needs a lot of tender loving care, and luckily, it's about to get several million pounds worth.
There is a lake of course, with an ornamental bridge, and delicately carved details on pillars and gateways everywhere. And everywhere in the gardens are herms and urns.
Finally, I love the violence of pure white in a sepia photograph, much more compelling than in colour or black & white. This water lily is in a small pool in the grounds.
I'll show you the house itself another day!
I know this place as I used to live not far away. Your photos are really lovely -- thanks.
Posted by: Harriet | Tuesday, 03 July 2007 at 08:50 AM
Very atmospheric photographs. I can imagine wafting across that bridge in a floaty dress.....(well, sort of).
Posted by: Karen | Monday, 02 July 2007 at 09:10 PM