Burghley House, Lincolnshire, c. 1555-85. © Country Life Picture Library.
Clive Aslet, former editor of Country Life Magazine, looks at the evolution of the country house in Britain and reveals the fascinating stories behind individual houses, their architects, and occupants. He paints a vivid picture of the wider context in which the country house in Britain flourished and subsequently fell into decline before enjoying a renaissance in the 21st century.
The genesis, style, and purpose of architectural masterpieces such as Hardwick Hall, Hatfield House, and Chatsworth are explored, alongside those lost to war and economic decline. There is also a cavalcade of characters: owners with their dynastic obsessions and diverse sources of wealth, and architects such as Inigo Jones, Sir John Vanbrugh, Robert Adam, Sir John Soane and A.W.N. Pugin, who dazzled or in some cases outraged their contemporaries.
The Story of the Country House: A History of Places and People by Clive Aslet is published by Yale University Press. Ticket holders will receive a code to use online for 25% off the retail price (UK orders only, free P&P).
Proceeds from our ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live, or on-demand for three weeks afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.