We've been enjoying this latest spell of fine weather, and now some of the National Trust properties are opening again, we decided to have a little drive out to visit Hanbury Hall a William and Mary style of property. We arrived in time to have a short but very well informed introductory guided tour of the house. After lunch, we went back to look at some of the items in greater depth.
The guides were welcoming and I was able to get a little more information about two naive looking hand worked pictures in one of the dressing rooms. They were early 18th century, with original frames and glass from that period. Two wonderful gems. I also liked the series of well know prints of Marriage a la Mode by William Hogarth. There is so much detail in these, and poor Mr S was getting a little tired of waiting for me. The room notes explained the meanings of all the items incorporated into the pictures. Since then I have found very good on line descriptions. Also I have found out that William Hogarth studied under Sir James Thornhill, who painted the murals in the Hall and up the stairs etc of the story of Achilles. So next time I find something particularly interesting, I shall make a note, then read up at leisure when back home.
Some of the grounds have been restored to show them as they would have been in the 18th century. The trees and summer houses were picturesque.
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