Peckover House is perfectly positioned in the centre of North Brink and is the finest property in Wisbech.
It was built in 1722 and bought by Jonathan Peckover at the end of the 18th century. The Peckover’s, a Quaker banking family, presented the building to the National Trust in 1948. The outside of the house gives little idea of the elaborate and elegant interior of fine panelled rooms, Georgian fireplaces with carved over-mantels and ornate plaster decorations.
At the back of the house is a beautiful walled garden with interesting and rare trees, delightful summer houses and fruiting orange trees, thought to be 300 years old. Unfortunately, the cold weather made sketching in the garden most impractical during this visit.
The Library is an oval shaped room boasting an area of 52x21 feet and curved walls at each end.
Joan and I sketched our way through the house using the little time we had at Peckover wisely. Using my 9x12" Venezia sketchbook, I decided to build a collection of patterns and textures that caught my eye, much like a small library to remind me of all the beautiful things I just didn't have the time to create large sketches of but that unmistakably shouted "Peckover House" to me.Peckover is probably the closest National Trust house to me and I frequently shop in the Wisbech area which made the idea of becoming a National Trust member all the more appealing. As a member I can access all NT premises, parks and gardens free of charge and the thought of being able to 'pop' into Peckover next time I am in Town, to view it through the upcoming seasons and all at no cost was enough to tempt me to join!
I'm sure you will see much more of Peckover in my sketchbooks throughout the year!
8 comments:
Love your little montage of Peckover patterns. Ingenious!
What a clever idea! Most of the NT properties around here are reopening for the year this weekend. Woo hoo!
Thankyou E-J!
The hardest part of working in National Trust houses is that they do not allow photographs to be taken for security purposes so there are no references to work from outside of the house, other than purchasing guide books and hoping some photographer got close enough to items and details...which is rare in my experience.
This study allowed me to record numerous little areas/items/designs in minimum time and I will certainly consider using this format again elsewhere.
Thanx Dave!
Woo hoo indeed! A few places opened on the 17th here but many of the houses open in the afternoon at midday or 1pm which makes it almost impossible for me to visit while my children are at school. Travelling time back home would leave me approx 30 mins to sketch and browse ..Absolute torture for a stately home fanatic like me!
Hence, I will be planning a few weekend day trips this summer!
Anita, I love the montage of patterns too.....great idea! After seeing your wonderful sketches of historical buildings, I'm thinking I need to get out and explore the older areas around me too. Isn't it amazing what pieces of interest are brought to life when viewing them through an artist's eye? I'm thoroughly enjoying your field trips through your sketchbook. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.
Thankyou Serena, it's great to know others are enjoying my trips along with me.
Go for it - Explore - If you enjoy just half as much as I am, you will have no regrets!
Delightful post, Anita. You would make a fine ambassador for the National Trust.
Thankyou Robyn!
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