Petworth. The House, Town and Antiques & Other Stuff
What a beautiful day my friend Allie and I chose for a day out.
The sun was shining. The roof was down on her little Smart car.
We had been planning a day together for ages.
Not that we don't see each other.
We only live a few minutes away from each other here in Arundel.
But life and Arundel is busy and we only manage to meet once a week for a glass or two.
( Who am I kidding? A glass or two???)
Anyway, our last excursion in the daylight hours was to Virginia Wolfes house in Lewes.
If you've never been it's well worth a visit.
Lewes also is stuffed full of antique shops. (And its got the lovely Bill's for lunch)
Virginia and Leonard Woolfes house belongs to the National Trust.
I joined as a result of the visit.
The plan was an outing at least once a month.
That was a year ago.
And, no we haven't.
So, yesterday, we decided to kick off our National Trust visits.
Somewhere on our own doorstep.
I've been to Petworth a lot. To look around the antique shops. Never been around the house.
We were both unprepared for just how stunning the interior is.
Seen it from the outside, of course.....which is amazing enough
but the inside is extraordinary................
from the glorious wallpapers
and furniture.....
to the art
Oh yes they are all there.....
to the breathtaking Trompe L'oeil staircase.
After fire in 1714
an artist was commissioned to paint the awe inspiring piece.
For which he was paid the princely sum of £200!
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park/features/petworth-a-house-of-art
Allie and I went to a trompe l'oeil workshop together many years ago.
This just knocked us side ways.
Then on wards, room to room just took our breathe away
 |
| one of the house guides giving a talk |
 |
| ooo errr |
The oldest piece in the house
Made in 1592!
It's the earliest English Globe in existence
Out in the garden the sun shone. It was hot.
Half term and families were having picnics in the park, under the shade of the old trees.
We headed into Petworth town to rummage the antique shops.
Parking in town was a real pain the rear.
The car park was full.
Irritable hot drivers were driving round and round.
They were all hoping to dive in as soon as a space became vacant.
We swore a lot and gave up.
Found a space in a quiet street just out of the town.
The town is full of lovely antique shops.
It's always on the itinerary for our US trade clients.
We wandered a bit and went to The Hungry Guest for lunch
https://thehungryguest.com/cafe-shop/petworth/
Food lovely, a bit on the slow side with being served, but we were happy to rest.
Good items on the menu for us veggies.
Went down to their shop and eyed up things like these huge meringues
Only eyed them up mind you.....
https://thehungryguest.com/cafe-shop/foodshop/
They have the most fantastic bread and supply many shops around Sussex.
It would have been rude not to buy some.
With the large loaves they will even sell you a half loaf, which is good to know.
Great day
thanks my lovely chum
So....where next I wonder?
Walking around Arundel
I've been trying to walk every day again
from 5 to about 12 kilometres.
Depending on how much time I have.
the other day I walked across the fieldsfrom Arundel to Burpham for their village fete.
Set my Map My Walk app.
Tuned into my latest audible book and I was away.
Burpham village fete is a very English occasion.
Then I walked back.
Fortunately a friend delivered all the lovely plants I had bought.
The thought of carting those petunias a few miles was daunting.
The thought of carting those petunias a few miles was daunting.
Latest Items.
Here's a few of the pieces we have in our antiques warehouse at the moment.
For all our other pieces you will find many on The Hoarde
If you want to visit
we are always open Friday Saturday Sunday 10-4
Often there the rest of the week but we might be out buying or restoring
so just contact us.
If you are trade and would like to find out more just email
and for more regular updates heres our FB page
Have a great day
