Althorp: Home to the Spencer family since 1508
Althorp, the renowned Spencer family estate in Northamptonshire, England is said to have one of the world’s finest collections of furniture and artwork as a result of the family’s uninterrupted occupation since the 16th century. Passionate collectors, among their cherished treasures were porcelain, paintings and books, at one time boasting the largest private library in the world. Many members of the Spencer family were politically active and others faithful patrons of the arts, their contributions reached far beyond the walls of their grand estate. Today Althorp is well known as the final resting place of Princess Dianna.
The South Drawing Room
Theodore Alexander pays tribute to the Spencer family and Althorp with their collection of furniture and accessories inspired by the estate. You may recall from a previous post that Theodore Alexander has a successful partnership with the Keno Brothers of Antiques Roadshow fame, another collection that pays homage to period designs. Each piece offers a story, and often thought-provoking details in the construction and design.
Wootton Hall features the work of English artist John Wootton
The Althorp Living History collection is new to KDR and a handful of pieces are on display now at our St. Louis showroom. Several additional pieces have been ordered for both St. Louis and Kansas City and will soon be on their way. See below for a preview.
This leather and brass mounted box features carrying handles and raised brass Spencer initials.
Inspired by the 2nd Earl Spencer, this mahogany lamp table features a rosewood banded and brass bound top resting upon flintlock musket supports.
This ebonised occasional chair features a Chinoiserie painting on the leather back.
This Sheraton mahogany butler’s table is adorned with a hand-painted Spencer family crest.
This mahogany lamp table is fitted with a gallery of crossed sabres.
A mahogany tripod wine table with marquetry inlaid top.
Sidenote: The website features an option I found to be unique and helpful. each piece allows you to “Explore” for a more detailed look, and in addition you can select to view the piece to scale as compared to a man or woman…
Until next time…
Emily
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