London’s Eltham Palace to open new rooms to the public

    Eltham Palace living room. English Heritage

    One of Britain’s best Art Deco Buildings to survive to this day, Eltham Palace will be opening five new rooms to the public in April 2015 following restoration work.

    Eltham Palace. English Heritage
    Eltham Palace. English Heritage

    Eltham Palace map room. © Christopher Ison
    Eltham Palace map room. © Christopher Ison

    Visitors will be able to explore the luxury wartime bunker under the house, an extensive basement billiards room, an opulent walk in wardrobe, two new bedrooms and the 1930’s map room. There will also be a brand new visitor centre, shop and café which will incorporate one of the former glasshouses at the property.

    The rare 1930’s ‘map room’ was hidden for decades under layers of wallpaper and will now be revealed for the first time. This room was where Eltham’s glamorous owners – Virginia and Stephen Courtauld – plotted their many extravagant trips around the globe.

    The Courtaulds built their Art Deco mansion adjoining the Great Hall of medieval Eltham Palace in 1936. The interior of the mansion is a glamorous mix of Art Deco, ocean-liner styles and cutting edge Swedish design.

    Eltham Palace curator, Annie Kemkaran-Smith, said: “It was a decadent, fun place to visit. Next spring we’ll open up new rooms, the ropes will come down and we’ll be inviting people to step back in time and experience one of the Courtauld’s lavish parties as they try on vintage inspired designs, play in the billiards room and watch cinefilm of the family.”

    www.english-heritage.org.uk

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