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eltham palaceEltham Palace, the former home of the Courtauld's, and restored by English Heritage in 1999, was one of the few houses built in the inter-war years. It was something of a show house in the 1930s and was self-consciously luxurious. Encompassing several styles, it is an anglicised version of the French Art Deco style that is highlighted to great effect.
Virginia Courtauld's bedroom An eclectic design style, 'Art Deco' refers to a mix of styles from the 1920s and 1930s. However, common characteristics include the use of geometry and simplicity, often combined with simple shapes that celebrate the rise of commerce and technology. There were two different kinds of Art Deco, both of which were equally important; one concerned with the mass market, the other with unashamed luxury. The luxurious variety was seen at its most splendid at the 1925 Paris exhibition. It was also seen in the prestigious furnishings of ocean liners like the 'Normandie'. It is to the latter version that we look to for the inspiration behind Eltham Palace. The Entrance Hall
The dramatic Entrance Hall was created by the Swedish designer Rolf Engströmer. Light floods in from a spectacular glazed dome, highlighting blackbean veneer and figurative marquetry. The best of Art Deco was always expensive, making use of exotic woods and luxury materials like Ivory or Mother-of- Pearl. Peter Malacrida adopted these materials in his design of the Dining Room. The Dining Room 
Dining room door Malacrida contrasted tones and textures for effect, from the pale wood of the walls and the Art Deco aluminium-leafed ceiling, to the striking doors with their ivory-coloured raised decoration. The built-in cabinets have glass shelves and mirror backs, typical Art Deco features, and the furniture is upholstered in pink leather (rose pink was considered at the time to be 'an ideal colour for setting off ladies dresses to the best advantage'). The fireplace has a black Belgian marble surround inlaid with a Greek key pattern. This classical motif, which is repeated on the ebonised doors and side tables, was often used in the 1930s. Virginia Courtauld's Suite 
Onyx bathroom Step into Virginia Courtauld's gold-leaf and onyx bathroom suite, and throughout the house discover lacquered, 'ocean-liner' style veneered walls and built-in furniture. Boudoir In Virginia Courtauld's panelled Boudoir, the fashions for ceilings to be painted a lighter tint of the wall colour can be seen, as in many of the main rooms. (The use of pale paint colours was typical, marking a move away from the strong colours favoured by the Edwardians.) The ribbed, coved and mirrored ceiling with its concealed lighting is Art Deco-inspired. The sofa is an early example of built-in furniture. It has Italian quilted cushions with a raised design (quilting was a popular hobby in the 1930s). At this time kitchens were no longer relegated 'below' stairs, and together with bathrooms became more integrated into everyday life, their decoration being treated with the same attention to style as other living quarters. 1930s 'Mod- Cons' By the mid-1930s the Central Electricity Board had created a national grid of high voltage transmission lines which provided Britain with one of the most advanced systems of electricity supply in the world. The Courtaulds took full advantage of this to enhance their new home. There were electric fires and synchronous clocks in most rooms, and a loudspeaker system that could broadcast records throughout the ground floor.Other rooms of interest include: The 'historical' Drawing Room, and the Library. Access: Junction 3 on the M25, then A20 to Eltham, off Court Road, SE9 Open: 1st April to 30th September, 10am - 6pm 1st to 31st October, 10am - 5 pm 1st November to 31st March 2001 10am - 4 pm All dates Wed - Fri and Sun, open Bank holidays throughout the year. Tel: 020 8294 2548 Web: For further information on Eltham Palace visit the English Heritage website. Information and photographs from the souvenir guide on Eltham Palace with kind permission of English Heritage. Prop companies that hire Art Deco furniture and accessories include: |
