I have wanted to visit Eltham Palace for many years - a stately home of the 1930s built in Art Deco style. On Sunday Robin, my son-in-law, and I got the chance together with a lecturer from the V&A!!! She was very good. What was not so good is that the photo you see mostly is the entrance hall with its fabulous carpet, furnishings and veneered walls is about the only bit of true Art Deco.
Eltham Palace was built by Richard II so the core is 15th century. Various kings altered it but it was abandoned by Henry VIII as too far from London and over the centuries it fell into ruin. The Courtaulds (yes them of textiles, shipbuilding etc) took on the estate but on condition that they restored the Great Hall.
On the right, the Great Hall. On the left, the house entrance just visible as a couple of pillars.
The hammer roof of the Great Hall. Actually held together/up by steel beams which Robin and I managed to spot.
As to the rest of the very large stately home, more luxury than taste and a right hodge-podge of styles. Four posters in Art Deco bedrooms and overornate bathrooms.
with the occasional Art Deco gem.
And it is still worth visiting for the entrance hall.
The gardens are magnificent but I ran out of steam after two hours in the house. So we ate lunch in the café and went home, wondering if the carpet design could be adapted for weaving. I will let you know.
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