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London's Royal Palaces and Parks with Hattie Bennett

London's Royal Palaces and Parks with Hattie Bennett


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In this conversation, we will trace chronologically the history of the British Royal Family through the buildings they created. Beginning with the 11th century Tower of London we will discuss the importance of the River Thames for the positioning of palaces. Most of the medieval palaces of the 13th and 14th centuries have disappeared, so too have many of those built by Henry VIII. We will examine the evidence for their appearance and use as well as visiting the glorious Tudor red-brick palaces of Hampton Court and St James's Palace. The 17th century saw the buildings of the first classically inspired buildings, the Banqueting House in Whitehall and the delightful Queens House at Greenwich. We'll discuss both of these buildings, the architect behind them (Inigo Jones) and the influence of the Italian architect, Andrea Palladio on Jones.
The vast building at Versailles will be compared to Kensington Palace, built by Christopher Wren to house a king with delicate health and who also extended Henry VIII's great palace at Hampton Court. We'll talk about how the late 18th century saw the building of the extravagant Carlton House for the Prince Regent, demolished after 40 years. No conversation about Royal Palaces would be complete without discussing Buckingham Palace. We'll end with this, looking at how it has been enlarged by several generations resulting in the famous facade and balcony added at the beginning of the 20th century.
Led by British Art expert, Hattie Bennett, this interactive seminar will focus on London's Royal Palaces, past and present. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of the timeline of British monarchs through their architectural styles and building schemes.

Hattie has a degree in History of Art and an MA in Historic Interiors, she has a life-long passion and fascination in Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly works produced in Europe from the 16th to 18th century. After working for the Royal Collection in the Print Room at Windsor Castle, she was a curator for a private collector of 17th and 18th century prints and drawings. Hattie has worked for London's foremost framer of important old master paintings during which time she sharpened her appreciation and understanding of the decorative arts and the changing tastes of collecting. Recently she has been dealing in prints and works of art as well as taking groups of all ages to museums and galleries.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
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Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Highlights of Past and Present Royal Sites around London

Ms. Bennett related a fast-paced tour of key royal homes, historic sites, palaces, parks all with detailed commentary. The comparison with past and present views (paintings, sketches, photos) was helpful. I enjoyed learning where current historic happenings occurred in some of the sites to remember the importance. Enjoyable zoom jaunt!

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Highlights of Past and Present Royal Sites around London

Ms. Bennett related a fast-paced tour of key royal homes, historic sites, palaces, parks all with detailed commentary. The comparison with past and present views (paintings, sketches, photos) was helpful. I enjoyed learning where current historic happenings occurred in some of the sites to remember the importance. Enjoyable zoom jaunt!