 Hatchlands
Hatchlands is a house that boasts work from a most celebrated cast of 18th
and 19th century architects, each distinctive in their approach
but delightfully merged to create an array of classical and richly
decorated rooms. Around 1750, Admiral Edward Boscawen, a naval hero, bought the
large estate at Hatchlands and immediately commissioned the demolition
of the old house, replacing it with a much larger house designed by
Stiff Leadbetter. Interior decoration was completed by Robert Adam,
his earliest recorded work on a country house, and many of his drawings
for the plasterwork and marble statuary can be seen in
Sir John Soane's Museum
in London. Undoubtedly influenced by instructions from the Admiral,
there is a strong nautical theme incorporated in the décor, including
anchors, dolphins and sea-nymphs.
Towards the end of the 18th century, with Hatchlands now in the ownership of William Sumner of the
East India Company, certain alterations to the house were undertaken by
Joseph Bonomi, and the grounds were greatly improved under the careful
direction of Humphrey Repton. In 1888 Hatchlands again changed hands, and
Stuart Rendel, a former partner of Sir William Armstrong's engineering
firm in London, added his own mark to Hatchlands. A superb music room
was added by Sir Reginald Blomfield at the beginning of the 20th
century, further embellishment of Adam's work was carried out under the
specific designs of Stuart Rendel himself, and the advice of Miss Gertrude
Jekyll was sought for further planting of the gardens.
The final owner was Rendel's grandson, Harry Goodhart-Rendel, an extremely clever and artistic man
whose diverse interests included music and architecture. During his
early 20s he had designed an office block in Calcutta and by the time
he inherited Hatchlands he was well-established as a local architect,
having been involved in the design of many houses in East Clandon. The
stable block and lodges on the estate are further examples of Goodhart-Rendel's work.
When Hatchlands was donated to the National Trust, very few pieces of furniture were included but
the deficit was more than adequately made up when Mr Alec Cobbe took up
a tenancy in 1988. Not only did Mr Cobbe immediately set to work on the
restoration and refurbishment of Hatchlands, but he also introduced his
own fine furniture, paintings and an enviable collection of musical instruments.
In view of Goodhart-Rendel's musical talents, it seems eminently appropriate
that the Cobbe Collection of early keyboard instruments have found a home
in such architecturally historic surroundings. The additional bonus of
having these instruments at Hatchlands is that regular recitals and concerts
are performed at the house, thereby giving the public even more opportunity
to enjoy this splendid property. |
