It is enshrined in English law that your home is your castle. Whether it is indeed a castle, a humble studio or a tree house, the principle remains that, in England, one's personal space is sacred. In An English Room, some of England's most prominent figures share their precious retreats and reveal their thoughts about Englishness, English rooms and the treasured objects within them. Benedict Cumberbatch divulges where he likes to read scripts; Stephen Fry invites you into his dressing room at the Apollo Theatre, London; P. D. James discusses the inspiration for her novel The Black Tower; and fashion designer Paul Smith contemplates the joys of his book-and-knick-knack-crammed office. The impeccably dressed Gilbert & George take you on a tour of their beautiful Queen Anne house, while Alan Bennett waxes nostalgic about his rumpled existence in Primrose Hill. Derry Moore's discerning eye captures the essence of the English room at home or abroad, whether it be a country cottage, large estate, exquisite chapel or an artist's studio.
All those with a passion for English culture, society, design and fashion will take pleasure in this unique view into the private lives of some of England's national treasures. This book not only showcases the splendid and internationally recognised art of English interior design but also contains some of the finest examples of English portraiture today.