Treasures from the National Trust (National Trust History & Heritage)

From Rubens paintings to Chippendale cabinets to elaborate Palladian doll houses, the enormous range of priceless objects held in the Trust's hundreds of historic properties is unequalled, and many of them are still housed in the places for which they were originally designed or bought. Divided into themed chapters such as Paintings, Sculpture, Textiles, Furniture and Woodwork, and Ceramics, Treasures from the National Trust explains the pieces for those with little knowledge of art history and antiques and those more versed in the subjects alike. Special features illuminate the work of key painters, designers, and craftsmen while historical timelines give a quick visual context for the artworks. The treasures featured in the book range from single pieces, such as Andrea del Sarto's luminous Madonna and Child with St. John at Ascott and the monumental St. Michael Overcoming Satan at Petworth House, to collections of multiple pieces, such as majolica at Polesden Lacey, miniatures at Ham House, and the unrivaled collection of musical instruments at Fenton House. Pieces are chosen for both their beauty and historical interest, and range from precious clocks, costumes, and books to more unusual pieces, such as the bicycles at Snowshill Manor and even a decommissioned atomic bomb casing. The pieces span the centuries from ancient Greek vases to 20th-century modernist furniture. Featuring stunning photography and fascinating text, this book is an essential guide to the very best of Britain's heritage, and makes Britain's treasures available to all.