Houghton Hall as it exists today in Norfolk, first built in 1735
MFAH Director, Gary Tinterow says, “”Houghton Hall and its superb collections epitomize the historic legacy of art, architecture and patronage among the great families and country houses of England.” I am delighted to partner with David Cholmondeley to bring the extraordinary heritage to American audiences. Given our fascination with Downton Abbey and the similar story of a great Engllish house and its family, I know this exhibition will be highly anticipated.”
So true for those of us that could not get enough of that fabulous PBS series, it is a wonderful experience to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to experience a visit to a real life grand English country house. “Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country Home” exhibit, which has never traveled outside of England, is launching its American tour in Houston now and will be gracing our halls thru September before moving on to San Francisco and Nashville. It is a wonderful step back in time to all the grandeur that is historical aristocratic English living.
I have been anticipating this opening since being a guest with Gary Tinterow, on Manor of Speaking, Ernie Manouse’s PBS Talk Show that airs right after Downton Abbey and recaps that evening’s story line. While waiting in the Green Room, back in February, I was fascinated to hear first hand from Tinterow of the amazing exhibit that he would be talking about on the show that would be coming to life at MFAH this summer. Well, the time is now and well worth the wait.
Christine Gervais, associate curator, Gary Tinterow, Director MFAH, Rose Hanbury, Marchioness and wife of Lord David Cholmondeley, 7th Marchess , current residents of Houghton Hall
As I toured the exhibit last week guided by Mr. Tinterow, Christine Gervais and Lord David, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, owner of the home, they shared such enlightening info on each room of this well assembled recreation of Houghton Hall as it exists today in Norfolk, on the outskirts of London. I was in awe of the details of this amazing home originally commissioned in early 1700’s by Lord Walpole, the first Prime Minister of England and ancestor of the current marquess, and William Kent, the most accomplished designer in England during the 18th century.
Each step along the way as you tour this exhibit of Old Master paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from the collection, there are important details that are to be noted. (again, this is one exhibit where you most definitely should partake in the auto-tour that they provide, well worth it!). You are greeted to the opening of the exhibit by a large mahogany door and told that this home was the introduction of mahogany wood to the world. It was also, designed with what was arguably the country’s first purpose-built dining room. As you proceed into the rooms, as they have been assembled, you have a strong feeling that you are entering the original rooms of Houghton, due largely to the photographic murals of the walls from the key rooms of the house that represent the architecture and design of those rooms.
Stone Hall
In all there are approximately 100 objects assembled in settings that combine paintings, porcelain, sculpture, costume, metalwork and furniture that duplicate the most stunning rooms from Houghton Hall that cover three centuries and eight generations of heirs to Sir Robert Walpole. The paintings alone, represent a Who’s Who of great paintings over the centuries. Lord Cholmondeley’s paternal grandmother, Sybil, who resurrected the house after marrying his grandfather in 1913 and curating the home for 70 years, was a close friend of John Singer Sargent. One of the outstanding portraits of note in the picture gallery was by him of Sybil.
There is so much to be said about each room of this exhibit that space does not permit here. Please watch the video below that gives you a feeling for what you are to see. I truly recommend you to experience this for yourself, take the audio tour so that you miss nothing and you will leave there feeling a great sense of English grandeur that many of us are longing for more and more of these days.
“Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House” Trailer from Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Vimeo.
Please note: MFAH is presenting, in conjunction with this exhibit, a film series, “Drama in the House”, July 13-August 21, that will take viewers further inside the world of grand English manors. Films such as “Remains of the Day”, Gosford Park and many others. Follow at facebook.com/mfahfilms and mfah.org, for more details.
Exhibit details….
Dates: June 22, 2014—September 21, 2014
When: Tues., Wed. 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Thurs. 10 a.m. till 9 p.m.
Fri., Sat. 10 till 7 p.m.
Sundays 12:15 till 7 p.m.
Where: Audrey Jones Beck Building, MFAH
5601 Main St.
Tickets: $15, ages 12 and younger free