Wednesday, November 16, 2011

18 Folgate Street Daniel Severs House

18 Folgate street was brought to my attention by Melanie of Madame Guillotine who posted about the museum in July.  Perhaps "museum" isn't the right word.  "Art Instillation" would be much more appropriate. 

Dennis Severs bought the dilapidated Georgian house in 1979 and proceeded to transform it into a time capsule by collecting antiques to tell a story in each room.  But they aren't just placed neatly in a room like a historic home.  Instead they are placed in a way which tells a story.  Take for example the drawing room.  Tea is set up in the center of the room, one of the cups is still half full with tea.  Pearl earrings sit beside the cup as if a woman just took them off after a long night of socializing.  Fans sit on chairs and some careless person actually dropped their teacup in the course of the night and the shattered remains are left on the floor.  The effect really makes you feel as though you have traveled back in time. 

There are a few ground rules you should be aware of before visiting.  When you arrive to what looks like any old home you will see a note telling you to ring a bell.  I still am not sure where the bell is but using the door knocker works just as well.  You also have to arrive during the specified hours, so make sure you plan ahead!  After knocking, someone will come out and explain what you're about to do and then tell you to fork over 10 pounds, so be sure to have cash on hand!  Another thing you should know is that there is no talking allowed, not even whispering.  My art historian friend and I got in trouble for this...but honestly two art historians in this house...there is no way we could just point and make faces to each other!  Getting chastised by the workers is also a bit confusing because they don't have uniforms or name tags.  So the girl in the hallway with a messenger bag telling you to shut up; yeah that's an employee.

There are notes and images around the house to give you a feel for what you're walking into.  A reminder note for George IV's coronation is pinned to the door of a regency bedroom.  So you must always be taking in your surroundings.   I found a black cat on a chair and broke another rule by petting it.  That was the first time an exhibition literally ran away from me!

Next time any of you lovers of the 18th and 19th centuries are in London, this house should definitely be on your to do list!

13 comments:

  1. What a great idea! This place is going on my to-do list for sure! It's not often you get to go somewhere and feel as if the place is still live-in. Not being allowed to talk is a bit odd, though. Is there a specific reason?

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  2. I think it's part of Severs' vision, in order to take in the experience. However if you are a big-mouthed Greek and American art historians, it's just not possible! (At least we were whispering!)

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  3. It looks wonderful! I definitely need to visit it soon!

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  4. If I were writing a Regency, THIS is most inspirational. Thanks, lush pictures.

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  5. What a wonderful place! Is there a Dickens room, too? Long ago, I read about such a house in an architecture magazine, wondering if it's the same. It's treasonous to say so, but I think I'm in the wrong country . . . . Katherine Louise

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  6. There isn't a Dickens room but there is a Victoria room. Close enough, right?

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  7. Really glad you liked it! It's one of my favourite places now - it's just so amazingly inspiring on so many levels. :)

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  8. What a neat idea! I looked at the other blog of her pictures and between the museum's website, your mention and her post, I HAVE TO GO! I wish more of these things would show up - I would LOVE LOVE to do something like this!

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  9. Heather, have you ever tried to do something similar in your own apartments? I mean - making the room look a la Louis XVI - furniture, accessories, engravigs, candles? Dmitry

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  10. It's one of my favourite places in town! I recommend visitng during the christmas period. It's marvellous!

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  11. It really is something you all have to see if you have the opportunity.

    @Dmitry, I only wish I could do that! Sadly I'm currently living in what looks more like a monk's cell, so I will have to go with that theme!

    @Nehelania78, I saw that they beginning putting up the decorations very soon. It gives me an excuse for another visit!

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  12. Really lovely and so beautiful. It is beyond magical.

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  13. I will leave this place to you girls and go somewhere friendlier to spend my ten pounds! There are other lovely houses.

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