Bramham, Baroque and Blow.

The opportunity to visit a lesser known country mansion arose yesterday and I was spurred on by the vague recollection that the pile had a connection with Detmar Blow the architect. Detmar has always been a hero of mine due to his 'lame duck' nature and a history of being simply forgotten. His career paralleled Lutyens for a number of years, but once Bendor and the Westminster cabal closed ranks his reputation entered free fall.

However, back in time we go to 1906. Bramham Park had lain derelict for almost a century, but had been resurrected in part by Blow and his crew, who were able to produce a Baroque effect using Edwardian techniques. Although a passionate Arts and Crafts supporter, the enigma of Detmar was that he would happily move to other architectural styles especially if persuaded by an aristo! In fact, he built All Saints Church, Thorney Hill, from scratch and in a full-on Baroque style. [See smaller Photo].

I'll not attempt a verbal description of Bramham Park Mansion as I'm reading Edmund De Waal's linguistic picture of the Hotel Ephrussi at present, and will not get anywhere near that league. However, I hope my snapshots will convey some of the atmosphere of the place.

Detmar's internal work has a look of B&Q about it[!!!] for it's just too machine made and has lost the organic feel of surviving baroque details. Strangely, our guide failed to mention my hero, and so later I chatted with a gardener who reckoned that this was par for the course as the current owners are keen to promote the early 18th. Century origins rather than more recent additions. Blow also designed an elaborate Rose garden recently obliterated! There are, too, obelisks and a chapel.

I have added more photographs here but am unsure where they will appear.

Finally, the fireplace. I have included this item as it is the only time that the Arts and Crafts feel came to me although it is not obvious, and possibly meant to be nothing of the sort. How could Detmar do all this cribbing without some his passion rising to the surface. I like to think so.