Blenheim - by Henrietta Spencer-Churchill (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The most important, most visited, and most renowned of all of Britain's stately homes, Blenheim has been home to the Churchill family for more than 300 years. Regarded as perhaps the greatest of the stately homes and the finest example of baroque architecture in Great Britain, Blenheim is a treasure of English heritage. In this stunning volume, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the twelfth generation of the family, takes us on a privileged tour of the palace. Designed by John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor (a protâegâe of Christopher Wren) in the early 1700s; with stonework, furniture, and tapestries crafted by the best talents of the age; and art and statuary by such notable artists as John Singer Sargent and Joshua Reynolds, Blenheim is filled with artistic commissions that provide a window into the history of England. In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, Spencer-Churchill shows us the family's private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the "downstairs" staff area with its iconic bell system. With beautiful photography of the magnificent interiors and priceless collections, and Spencer-Churchill's fascinating text, this volume illuminates Blenheim as it's never been seen before."--

Book Synopsis

The most important, most visited, and most renowned of all of Britain's stately homes, Blenheim has been home to the Churchill family for more than 300 years.

Regarded as perhaps the greatest of the stately homes and the finest example of baroque architecture in Great Britain, Blenheim is a treasure of English heritage. In this stunning volume, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, the twelfth generation of the family, takes us on a privileged tour of the palace.

Designed by John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor (a protégé of Christopher Wren) in the early 1700s; with stonework, furniture, and tapestries crafted by the best talents of the age; and art and statuary by such notable artists as John Singer Sargent and Joshua Reynolds, Blenheim is filled with artistic commissions that provide a window into the history of England.

In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, Spencer-Churchill shows us the family's private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the "downstairs" staff area with its iconic bell system.

With beautiful photography of the magnificent interiors and priceless collections, and Spencer-Churchill's fascinating text, this volume illuminates Blenheim as it's never been seen before.

Review Quotes

"Blenheim offers an inside look at the palace that has been in the Churchill family for the past 320 years. Henrietta Spencer-Churchill takes readers throughout the palace (originally a gift from Queen Anne and the eventual birthplace of Winston Churchill) opening up the doors to art, furniture, tapestries, and vast gardens--all of which have been a part of a meticulous restoration effort." -- ELLE DECOR

About the Author

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is an interior designer, founder of Woodstock Designs, and author of multiple Rizzoli books on design and historic styles, including The Life of the House, Blenheim and the Churchill Family, and Classic English Interiors. She lectures widely on design and design history in the US and the UK. Hugo Rittson-Thomas is a portrait photographer of many high-profile subjects, including the British royal family. His work has been published in Romantics and Classics, Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds, and Great Gardens of London.