Chinese Bridge in the landscape

In the eighteenth century, just as today, fashions and styles came and went. One style  that lingered a while was a liking for all things Chinese: what came to be called "chinoiserie". Blue and white pottery, painted wall-paper depicting Chinese scenes, birds etc, Chinese motifs in chairs and other furniture, mirror frames with oriental decoration and much else was bought from the far east or manufactured nearer to home. A particular favourite was a footbridge based on the ones painted on the scenes that decorated the blue and white plates and saucers. This example at Croome Court, Worcestershire, is a reconstruction of one built there in the eighteenth century. You can find out more about that bridge here.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon D5300

Chinese bridge, Croome Court

When, in 1751, Lancelot "Capability" Brown was engaged to re-fashion the landscape around Croome Court, Worcestershire, he decided to keep the Chinese bridge that had been designed by William Halfpenny in the 1740s. "Chinoiserie" was fashionable during the eighteenth century and many British country houses still retain wallpaper, furniture, mirrors, tableware etc that was influenced by this taste for the oriental. Being made of wood the original bridge has not survived the intervening centuries. The National Trust, now the owners of Croome Court, recently had this replacement built. It is based on Halfpenny's original drawing that features in an eighteenth century book, and on Richard Wilson's painting. The National Trust website tells and illustrates the fascinating story of the building of the new bridge.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2