On April 20th 2016, Sarah Callander Beckett was interviewed by BBC Radio Stoke about Combermere Abbey and the major 20 year restoration project which is nearing completion.
The interview was transmitted on ‘Morgan in the Morning’ on BBC Radio Stoke.
This recording is courtesy of BBC Radio Stoke
I’ve been lucky enough to know renowned British interior designer Nina Campbell for over 30 years, having first met her in New York in the early eighties. In fact, our friendship dates back to my time as Head of PR in the USA for Laura Ashley, and I have been using her fabrics for over 20 years in a number of rooms here at Combermere Abbey.
I was thrilled to be able to recently announce that Nina has joined the restoration team to redesign the North Wing when fully restored, alongside other family areas such as Porters Hall on the main private side of the abbey.
When I inherited Combermere all those years ago, we collaborated together on the decoration concept for one of our most popular holiday cottages – Crossley. Using her wonderful ‘Asticou’ collection inspired by a garden in Maine, we celebrated three generations of Crossley women gardeners.
I asked Nina to work with me again because I love her sense of humour (which certainly comes in handy during the trials and tribulations of an extensive restoration project) and sense of style. She understands the rich architectural heritage of Combermere Abbey with the vision to introduce some contemporary ideas – bringing its history up to date and creating the perfect atmosphere – the strong sense of a welcoming family home.
When we sat down to look at the design considerations for the North Wing, it was important to make it very flexible – so that it could be used as an extension to the main house, but work very well on its own – allowing our guests their independence and privacy. It gives us so many possibilities and will be so warm, elegant and well insulated that I am sure it will be used for dinners and entertaining when events are happening in the main house or available for special friends of Combermere throughout the year.
Nina has already put together a series of mood boards to give an indication of how she would like to address the strong gothic elements of the abbey while integrating a contemporary feel, with a touch of glamour. Nina knows I’m not afraid of colour, and we’ve chosen a palette that references different historical influences whilst playfully reflecting the unique character of our family. We are all very excited!
Architectural Historian and environmental campaigner Edward Bulmer will bring eco-friendly colour to life at Combermere Abbey, following a £2 million restoration of its North Wing.
Private owners of the Combermere estate, Sarah Callendar Beckett and her husband Peter, have chosen the ‘green’ interior designer who describes himself as a ‘Colourman’ in the 18th Century sense of the word – mastering both the art and science of colour – to help complete the project.
Sarah Callendar Beckett explains why she chose Edward Bulmer’s range of paints and expertise: “Whilst we’re compelled to ensure the North Wing is restored to Grade I Listed standards, we’re also very keen to bring the Abbey into the 21st Century and make sure that it’s an environmentally-friendly project.
“Edward Bulmer is renowned for his keen eye for colour and an encyclopaedic knowledge of historic paints and interiors, so his breathable ‘Pots of Paint’ range is the ideal choice for the colour scheme of Combermere Abbey’s North Wing. The fact that only natural pigments and ingredients, such as plant resins and beeswax, are used appeals not only because they are more eco-friendly but also because historically the Abbey would have been decorated with natural mediums, simply because synthetics paints didn’t exist! We can’t wait to see the final result.”
Edward, who has been central to the redecoration of many of Britain’s most historic properties, including Althorp and Goodwood House, added: “It’s a privilege to work on Combermere Abbey. It’s a remarkable building and I’m so pleased to be helping bring it back to its former glory. Using authentic paints will give the North Wing a new lease of life but remain sympathetic to its history.”
The North Wing Restoration is due to be completed in April 2016. For more information about the restoration project visit https://combermere-restoration.co.uk/.
ENDS
Combermere Abbey press enquiries to:
dewinter t: 01244 320677 e:aimee@thinkdewinter.co.uk
Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint press enquiries to:
Arc PR t: 020 7792 5646 e: mail@arcpr.co.uk
Edward Bulmer Pots of Paint
t: 01544 388535 www.potsofpaint.com
In late November 2015, Sarah Callander Beckett was interviewed by BBC Radio Sheffield about Wentworth Woodhouse and the broader issues associated with protecting and maintaining historic houses
The interview was transmitted on ‘Toby Foster on Breakfast’ on BBC Radio Sheffield on the 24th of November.
This recording is courtesy of BBC Radio Yorkshire