London: Osterley Park & Manor
Adam's Apple - Osterley Park & Manor, London
Osterley Park and House is a Georgian mansion and park located in the west London borough of Hounslow.
Today, Osterley Park and House is owned and managed by the National Trust, and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the grand rooms of the house, which are furnished with exquisite examples of Georgian furniture and artwork. The park surrounding the house covers over 350 acres, and features formal gardens, meadows, and woodland walks. There are also a number of events and activities held at the house throughout the year, including guided tours, talks, and exhibitions.
History
The house and park have a rich and varied history, and have been used for a variety of purposes over the years.
The house was originally built in the 1570s for Sir Thomas Gresham, a wealthy merchant and founder of the Royal Exchange in London.
In the late 18th century, the house was purchased by the Child family, who were one of the richest families in England at the time. They commissioned the Scottish architect Robert Adam (1728-1792) to redesign the house and create the grand neoclassical mansion that exists today.
Adam was a prolific architect and his work can be seen in several country houses and stately homes up and down the country. These include Harewood House, Kedleston Hall, Kenwood House, Lupton House, Newby Hall, Nostell Priory, and Saltram House as well as Pulteney Bridge in Bath.
George Child Villiers (1910-1998), 9th Earl of Jersey, opened Osterley to the public in 1939. After the war, Villiers gave the house to the National Trust in the late 1940s.
During World War II, the house was used as a training ground for the Women's Royal Naval Service, and later as a hospital for injured soldiers. After the war, the house was used as a film location and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. These include the popular period drama, Downton Abbey as well as The Crown, The Dark Knight Rises, and Vanity Fair.
House
The house we see today is mainly the work of Robert Adam.
Adam's work at Osterley House included redesigning the entrance hall, staircase, and principal rooms, as well as adding a new library and drawing room. He also designed new furniture, including the impressive State Bed, which was adorned with intricate carvings and gilded details.
One of the most notable features of Adam's design at Osterley House is the use of color. He incorporated vibrant shades of blue, green, and pink into the interiors, creating a bold and dramatic effect that was characteristic of the neoclassical style.
Art
In addition to its stunning architecture and interiors, Osterley House is also home to an impressive art collection that includes works by some of the most renowned artists of the 18th century.
The collection includes paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Gainsborough, as well as works by lesser-known artists of the time. Many of the paintings were acquired by Sir Francis Child, the owner of Osterley House in the 18th century, and reflect his interests in both Italian and Dutch art.
One of the most significant works in the collection is a portrait of Sir Francis Child by Joshua Reynolds, one of the leading portrait painters of the time. The portrait depicts Child as a fashionable and cultured gentleman, surrounded by books and art objects that reflect his interests and accomplishments.
Another notable work in the collection is a portrait of Lady Sarah Child by Jean-Marc Nattier, a French painter who specialized in portraits of the aristocracy. The portrait shows Lady Sarah in a lavish silk gown, adorned with pearls and diamonds, and surrounded by symbols of her wealth and status.
Overall, the art collection at Osterley House provides a fascinating glimpse into the tastes and interests of the wealthy elite in 18th-century England and showcases some of the finest examples of art from the period.
The Grounds
The grounds at Osterley Park are as impressive as the house itself, covering over 350 acres of parkland and gardens that are open to the public. The Garden House, built in 1780 and designed by Robert Adam, is a highlight.
Another notable feature of the grounds is the large lake, which is fed by natural springs and is home to a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife. Visitors can walk along the lakeside path, or rent a rowboat or canoe to explore the lake from the water.
The park also includes extensive gardens, including a formal rose garden, a walled garden, and a vegetable garden that supplies produce to the café and restaurant on site. The gardens are maintained by a team of dedicated gardeners and offer visitors a chance to see a wide variety of flowers, plants, and trees.
In addition to the gardens, the park includes several miles of walking and cycling paths that wind through the woods and fields, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are also several play areas for children, as well as a café, restaurant, and gift shop.
The grounds at Osterley Park provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors to explore, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, relaxation, and enjoyment of nature.
Further Information & Access - how to get to Osterley House
Jersey Road, Isleworth
Middlesex, TW7 4RB
Tel: 0208 232 5050
www: nationaltrust.org.uk
The nearest tube stations are Osterley and Houslow East both on the Piccadilly Line.
Isleworth (2.4 km) and Hounslow (4.3 km) are the nearest stations.
The bus H28 Hayes to Hounslow stops close to Osterley. The H91 Hounslow to Hammersmith service also stops close to the park. Other buses convenient for Osterley include the 110, the 120 and 267.
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