The British Country House: Collecting and Display

<p>This course explores the phenomenon of the British Country House from the sixteenth century to the present day through its collections of works of art and their display histories. The course, centered around a series of Country House ‘case studies’, addresses two closely related issues: the formation, character and function of country-house art collections, and the conventions, development and dynamics of pictorial and sculptural display within the Country House. The course draws upon the Paul Mellon Centre’s extensive research resources, including archival materials, correspondence, country house guides, sales catalogues, books, photographs, and newly commissioned images. An essential component of the course is regular visits to Country Houses to study collections and displays, as well as a three-day field trip.</p>