David Dimbleby gives us a miniature guided tour!
March 9th, 2010This week on The Seven Ages of Britain, David Dimbleby visited the stunning Nostell Priory, which is situated near Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Full to the brim with beautiful paintings and frescos along with numerous pieces of furniture, many of which were made by Thomas Chippendale, the star of the residence, in our opinion, is the dolls’ house.
The 1:12th scale house was designed for Susannah Lady Winn, the wife of Sir Rowland, 4th Baronet, in the 1730’s whilst her husband was busy building the present house, Nostell Priory. However, this dolls’ house was not made for children. It was built for Lady Winn to display the grandeur of her house, together with her wealth and status. It also presents an amazing picture of early 18th Century life.
As in the real house the grandest rooms, including the best bedroom, dressing room, and drawing room are on the first floor; the Hall, kitchen and everyday parlour are on the ground floor; and ordinary family bedrooms, including the nursery, are at the top of the house. The contents of the house are perfect miniature versions of their life size counterparts, with many pieces of furniture said to have been built by Chippendale himself.
If you fancy taking a step back in time and seeing the house for yourself, it can be found in the South Passage at Nostell Priory.
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