The great eccentric architect Sir Albert Richardson filled his house with treasures. I have been fascinated by the story I posted a couple of days ago with a photo of a hallway full of antiques untouched since 1964.
Richardson’s passion for 18th-century artifacts became all-consuming. Now (September 2013) his grandson is reluctantly selling the collection (Christopher Simon Sykes/World of Interiors/Condé Nast) Be sure to read the article that goes with the above photo. You won't be able to see the other photos in the slideshow unless you subscribe to The London Sunday Times. You can read the article however HERE.
I also found the press release from Christie's in London with a video tour of Avenue House, Richardson's residence. It's amazing. The contents of Avenue House in Ampthill – the collection assembled by Sir Albert Richardson (1880–1964), architect, historian, writer, artist, teacher and sometime President of the Royal Academy – is now being sold by Christie’s in London.
“My house is my yardstick!” Richardson declared. “It is my measuring scale by which I contemplate the past and assess the future.”
“My house is my yardstick!” Richardson declared. “It is my measuring scale by which I contemplate the past and assess the future.”
Watch the VIDEO of the collections in his home HERE.
We could have been fast friends. He was definitely a kindred spirit. Enjoy reading about this wonderful man. Read one more article HERE and the sadness that was felt when his treasures left Avenue House. Sorry about so many links but I can't get enough. Enjoy. xo
6 comments:
If he hadn't died; and if I were not happily married right now; I would have had to "run away with him"!!
Brilliant. I have to go to bed....but Lordy.....tomorrow! The entire thing!
Thank you So MUCH!!!
Penelope...I feel the same way about him. Isn't it a shame the collection was broken up after all these years? I wish I had that Christie's catalog. I can't get enough. If I find other interesting stories, I will add the links to my blog post.
xo, Rosemary
This is just delicious. I can't wait to read the rest. That video is fascinating.
I bet you can get the catalogue on eBay, but maybe after the sale. I often see the catalogue for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's possessions there.
I will look forward to reading the rest.
Thanks so much,
Karen in VA
Karen in VA -- The auction was almost a year ago -- in September 2013. Isn't this the most interesting story ever? I keep looking for more articles to read. What a fascinating man!
Enjoy the end of August.
xo, Rosemary
I love the collections he amassed. Such an interesting article. Thanks for always treating us to such great stories.
Karen
To both Karens...
I'm glad you enjoyed the article as much as I did. He was a remarkable man and I'm so sorry the collection went to the four winds instead of being preserved in place. Such a shame.
Enjoy this long Labor Day Weekend.
xo, Rosemary
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