Declaring an interest: the decoration of Norfolk House, London (1748-1756)
This text explores the decoration of Norfolk House in London, which was built between 1748 and 1756 for the 9th Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. While architect Matthew Brettingham designed a sober Palladian façade, Giovanni Battista Borra created spectacular Rococo interiors. The author focuses on the...
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| Vydáno v: | URI:https://journals.openedition.org/etudes18, |
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| Hlavní autor: | |
| Médium: | Article ou chapitre numérique |
| Jazyk: | Anglais |
| Vydáno: |
Études sur le XVIIIe siècle
2025
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| Témata: | |
| On-line přístup: | Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM |
| Shrnutí: | This text explores the decoration of Norfolk House in London, which was built between 1748 and 1756 for the 9th Duke and Duchess of Norfolk. While architect Matthew Brettingham designed a sober Palladian façade, Giovanni Battista Borra created spectacular Rococo interiors. The author focuses on the visitor experience, the scenography, the lighting and of Duchess Mary’s vision, who initiated the project. The house reflects her personal tastes and varied interests, combining art, politics and the natural sciences. Visitors such as Horace Walpole and Mrs Delany describe an atmosphere that is both theatrical and sophisticated.The text also discusses the evolution of social life in the 18th century, which was characterised by a thirst for social events. Houses such as Norfolk House on St James’s Square were designed to accommodate these new forms of gathering, which were more relaxed and varied than traditional dinners. At the time, the Palladian style was associated with the Whigs and the Hanoverian monarchy. Influenced by Holkham Hall Brettingham, adapted Palladian designs for urban life. Norfolk House thus embodies a synthesis of aristocratic grandeur and social modernity, driven by the Duchess’s personal vision. |
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