ABOUT THE BOOK
Fiona Woolf presented with a copy of Magnificent Entertainments at Mansion House, London, 5th June 2013 for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the The Furniture History Society . From Left: Simon Jervis, Former Chairman, Fiona Woolf, The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of London, Christopher Rowell, Chairman and Sir Nicholas Goodison, President of the Society.
A thoroughly original study of ephemeral architecture and design, Magnificent Entertainments examines the spectacular displays created for large-scale public and private celebrations in the Georgian period. The book focuses on a number of specific occasions - including elegant country fêtes, lavish galas, royal events and historical commemorations - that employed elaborate decorative measures to outshine all other attractions and diversions. It explores the role of leading architects Robert Adam and William Chambers as well as members of the Royal Academy of Arts in creating exceptional party settings for royalty and aristocracy, and adapting well-known public venues for one-night extravaganzas.
The author delves into the materials used for construction and embellishment throughout the period: artful applications of dyed sugar, sand, marble dust or chalk lent lustre and colour to tables and floors, whilst painted scenery and transparencies created from thousands of variegated lamps transformed existing venues into unfamiliar marvels. Spectacular stand-alone firework temples and temporary reception rooms were often crafted of little more than wood, canvas and paint.
Drawing on primary sources including personal letters, diary entries, bills and newspaper accounts, this book investigates how successful these fanciful designs were in creating fleeting moments of delight with lasting impact and popular appeal.
Melanie Doderer-Winkler with Interior designer, Nicky Haslam, at The Young Georgian Hanoverian Tercentenary Ball, December 2014. Photograph by Tom Medwell.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Melanie Doderer-Winkler is an art historian and former furniture specialist at Christie’s, King's Street, London. She writes and lectures about the splendour and pageantry of eighteenth-century entertaining. Melanie is the Overseas Events Secretary of the Furniture History Society and is also a trustee of The Georgian Group, Britain's premier architectural preservation charity.