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A Visit to Standen

Writer's picture: Stuart Grant Stuart Grant
Image of interior of Standen

The house had been decked out so that each room reflected Christmas as it would have been in a different decade in which the family were in residence - up to the 1960s. The house was left by the last unmarried daughter, Helen Beale  to the National Trust when she died in 1972. The Christmas theme was also expressed outside the house by a giant Christmas tree with knitted decorations by the textile artist Kaffe Fassett - whose wonderful colourful quilts and fabrics were present throughout the house.

Image of Christmas Tree at Standen with knitted decorations by the textile artist Kaffe Fassett

Here's an example of the riotous colours of the Kaffe Fassett works:

Image of example of Kaffe Fasset's Work

There is also plenty to see in the gardens and grounds, including the quarry garden - created from the area where sandstone was quarried for the building of the house.

Image of Quarry Garden at Standen

The gardens had been yarn-bombed by local knitting and crocheting volunteers under the direction of Kaffe Fassett - including a yarn-bombed bicycle and the area around these hens - note the crocheted fried eggs on the trees - a little tactless perhaps!!

Image of a chicken coop at Standen
Image of Outside Grounds at Standen

There are interesting exhibits showing the way the fabrics and wallpapers are conserved and demonstrating the effects of light and moisture etc on the textiles and materials inside the house - a constant challenge to conservation. The thing that struck me most about Standen, compared with most other National Trust properties, is how it is overwhelmingly a family home. The Beale family still seem to be present in the rooms and corridors of the house and were clearly very happy living there. The place - while big - has a very idiosyncratic feeling and feels very "lived in". ​After my most enjoyable taster, I intend to visit Standen again - at a quieter time of year without the Christmas crowds. I do have a soft spot for Arts and Crafts.

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