Leighton House

Yesterday I went to Leighton House, a place Emmanuelle mentioned in a previous lecture. She'd been raising questions about what the 'exotic' is, and where the passion to collect things that are considered 'oriental' and different to the culture we experience, came from. 

Leighton House dates back to the Victorian era, and is a purpose built studio home, designed and lived in by the artist Fredrick Leighton, who was fascinated with the Middle East. When I visited, I was just overwhelmed by the visual impact of the main hall space. Known as the 'Arab room', it contains beautiful mosaics, a fountain, large decorative screens over the windows, a domed ceiling at one end and walls covered in the most stunning turquoise-blue tiles. The colour was just amazing!  It was hard to drag myself away from the space, as it was so peaceful and beautiful. I would highly recommend a visit just to stand in that room. It felt like you'd been transported far, far away from the busy bustle of London. Interestingly, Lord Leighton's own bedroom was very plain and bare in contrast. It's as if all he'd channelled all his energies into creating the wonderful world downstairs, that nothing else could really compare...

photos don't really do it justice- just go and experience this beautiful place for yourself!