The Riches Of The Earth, Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, until 25th October 2015
Guillaume Beneman, writing table, 1786;
oak carcass; veneered with purpleheart; with sycamore, ebony, boxwood and casuarina wood marquetry, gilt-bronze mounts and a leather top; 790 x 1902 x 895mm;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 2575.
Photo: Mike Fear © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Over the coming weeks I shall be writing from time to time about this spectacular Rothschild house which I first visited some fifty years ago and to which I always look forward to returning to whenever possible.
Beauvais, designed by François Boucher, Fontaine d’Amour, 1755-1775;
wool and silk; 3365 x 3469mm;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 2438.3.
Photo: P J Gates © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
The collections whether paintings, furniture, porcelain, books or textiles are really superb and as a “themed exhibition” this year the visitors attention is drawn to the works and interior features that reflect the wealth of the earth be it as clay, wood, metals, marble or the plants and minerals used for dyes in textiles. You will follow a special trail through the house to a display in the Exhibition Room upstairs.
Chandelier (detail), late 17th century- early 18th century; France; steel, rock crystal and cut glass; Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 2741.
Photo: Mike Fear © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Shown here is just a small selection that celebrates not only the gifts of the earth but also the family’s collecting over the years.
Table, c 1710-1720; Augsburg, Germany; wood, metal, tortoiseshell;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc.no. 2227.1.
Photo: John Bigelow Taylor © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Four large panels symbolising the seasons (detail); 1720-1750;
France; oak;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 3565.7.
Photo: Mike Fear © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Pot-pourri vase, Sèvres Manufactory, 1761,
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust). Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957.
Photo: Hugo Maertens © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Joshua Reynolds, Lady Anne Luttrell, The Duchess of Cumberland (1743-1809), 1772-1773;
oil on canvas; 2490 x 1620mm;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 2303
© The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Savonnerie, Duvivier workshop, carpet, 1753-1757;
wool; 312 x 285cm;
Waddesdon, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) Bequest of James de Rothschild, 1957; acc. no. 2757.
Photo: © The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Lastly a view of the Grey Drawing Room which I am sure will give a very clear view of what makes this such a special place. Indeed I am tempted to paraphrase Dr Johnson and say that when one is tired of Waddesdon, one is tired of life. I most certainly look forward to my next visit.
The Grey Drawing Room, Waddesdon Manor, The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust).
©The National Trust, Waddesdon Manor
Tim Forrest's E & A 