Lutyen's British Embassy: Main Stair

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxZ2lukBgcI9KZGOjmgQ36H1Zaur_TBqo-SmlxkDtaalqAGMEir24bp9gkCq6IuJOTylxkGIP7lnuRkIQ0iijYOvTvWgdMyB3AKG2UiDHcWRvrUJgLVp-I6PT1zqXPzU4VF7McLalfBY/s1600/railing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxZ2lukBgcI9KZGOjmgQ36H1Zaur_TBqo-SmlxkDtaalqAGMEir24bp9gkCq6IuJOTylxkGIP7lnuRkIQ0iijYOvTvWgdMyB3AKG2UiDHcWRvrUJgLVp-I6PT1zqXPzU4VF7McLalfBY/s1600/railing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The main staircase at the British Embassy was designed by Lutyens to awe all visitors and make a grand statement. The entrance to the embassy is somewhat discreet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoNbPOO5syD00tZnsm0b3-qDOXPr1cGeHJP8vZlyvKZ6Hm5FHxwFE3KNY9xgfy59vM7N1nrU6VC0up6PsKTKq9G_IEPkwr0iN61v4gW_m6t4G8dOcw8tbF9flDWvbj7zj7akuPRUk0fk/s1600/british+embassy+floorplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoNbPOO5syD00tZnsm0b3-qDOXPr1cGeHJP8vZlyvKZ6Hm5FHxwFE3KNY9xgfy59vM7N1nrU6VC0up6PsKTKq9G_IEPkwr0iN61v4gW_m6t4G8dOcw8tbF9flDWvbj7zj7akuPRUk0fk/s1600/british+embassy+floorplan.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>One arrives underneath a classical porte cochere in the center of the complex (underneath D on the plan above) and into the main stairhall; the residence is a piano nobile design which cleverly aids the hilly topography - but we'll get into that later.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi_HDdTCw-vRARblGeaSAezf41SZog__cOqrc8hELgpStYk68Bj2U6qNUGDisQ-FTXCCteMHW1TDXikTjqLCSMggpkbuuaO6E03HJn3YV5YJdBGwofNNfH31eOjmO5qzuF6iOb1Ta3cQ/s1600/Porte+Cochere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi_HDdTCw-vRARblGeaSAezf41SZog__cOqrc8hELgpStYk68Bj2U6qNUGDisQ-FTXCCteMHW1TDXikTjqLCSMggpkbuuaO6E03HJn3YV5YJdBGwofNNfH31eOjmO5qzuF6iOb1Ta3cQ/s1600/Porte+Cochere.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Symmetry and classical design reign on the exterior; a rather quiet facade gradually gives way to grandeur as one enters the residence.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS-nI7Ft2MOk3nllbvOpHGbDgz9n3bDgmtxPOjbAtr2NBj3bywBJIsSf0jPmKIqzuQRQytnLyf87LWwtK9HXwB1pFCCB7YKwAJO9VfE2-yJVGcecWq7q-XlAMY0qrbIBUAoLBwDAwWVo/s1600/Porte+Cochere+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS-nI7Ft2MOk3nllbvOpHGbDgz9n3bDgmtxPOjbAtr2NBj3bywBJIsSf0jPmKIqzuQRQytnLyf87LWwtK9HXwB1pFCCB7YKwAJO9VfE2-yJVGcecWq7q-XlAMY0qrbIBUAoLBwDAwWVo/s1600/Porte+Cochere+detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Many of the light fixtures throughout were custom designed - the fluorescent light bulbs are really unfortunate but do not hurt the fundamental beauty of the lantern.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB2AHIgmpeO01oR7fZ2FaBGfqJPD3N3tZVipR4wEh6it0behFnPE7aiugVICdhp2hewrWxfjLDL-q7rSkNTpDYvIu9nGgxaIPL7nh82r5G-xxw7FihX_H77M-SCS1OOaRR3p3zSEGabo/s1600/Porte+Cochere+sconce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB2AHIgmpeO01oR7fZ2FaBGfqJPD3N3tZVipR4wEh6it0behFnPE7aiugVICdhp2hewrWxfjLDL-q7rSkNTpDYvIu9nGgxaIPL7nh82r5G-xxw7FihX_H77M-SCS1OOaRR3p3zSEGabo/s1600/Porte+Cochere+sconce.jpg" width="287" /></a></div> Upon entering through french doors directly to one's left is a bust of the architect, Edwin Lutyens.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGdfvCxSNy7V5fcty3v5xB1uRdaKJjWZHpCcmpotETNi6ZGGpcLhN253my28LYo_GOb-yy3FhPrnut3F03SfsQtvwrJrmXGrw3qxGDe_SXtAIOLbu9g9PaQgr_DB2v8W5ZeNUi_rviz0/s1600/stair+base+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGdfvCxSNy7V5fcty3v5xB1uRdaKJjWZHpCcmpotETNi6ZGGpcLhN253my28LYo_GOb-yy3FhPrnut3F03SfsQtvwrJrmXGrw3qxGDe_SXtAIOLbu9g9PaQgr_DB2v8W5ZeNUi_rviz0/s1600/stair+base+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Light pours into the lower level from windows above inviting one up. Further emphasizing this ascent are the walls which turn from heavy Indiana limestone to a lighter plaster.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHv6UlRrcN2z8x0_VGLIwU2sd3Sk-qglmS4XcK_hHE1AAHDzQaK4CcIbya9h9DF-ThMVXQNhYrmhN8cOSwPkVcmKz7d2hJW_np64NYIIxtTH9YWag-5CtMIiHcroUoI7fLcMut6QBavY/s1600/landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHv6UlRrcN2z8x0_VGLIwU2sd3Sk-qglmS4XcK_hHE1AAHDzQaK4CcIbya9h9DF-ThMVXQNhYrmhN8cOSwPkVcmKz7d2hJW_np64NYIIxtTH9YWag-5CtMIiHcroUoI7fLcMut6QBavY/s1600/landing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> I loved the cascade of the lower risers which leads one to a short landing and the cloak rooms.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5LNmC7zTUbh2sMs02pV3R0qyX12kXW2ZdZDpd6_uwemERqfak9zkQAB42dDLbBgV_dISvJSQKmlYsLLT4pClCDoXgbDCeTXuwVYvoi3I1BjSJSvyJ3P-V0Y5u8VgeQRP4WB8EdB2VWw/s1600/cascading+stair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5LNmC7zTUbh2sMs02pV3R0qyX12kXW2ZdZDpd6_uwemERqfak9zkQAB42dDLbBgV_dISvJSQKmlYsLLT4pClCDoXgbDCeTXuwVYvoi3I1BjSJSvyJ3P-V0Y5u8VgeQRP4WB8EdB2VWw/s1600/cascading+stair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The most impressive detail of the space is the railing itself. Below is a sketch by Lutyens from early on in the design in 1925.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rYKsppcVgCgTrSwORQI7eKgOalCEFg0MuQC2nr5pzw9dTkws-CH4UiLlqIXDUcxvA7xw5CQvsomIWxWTmGG-nVZNLYzPE3_DhdRkMmdmidKWHzpLAVywfij20-JLGEVRXhuW3Vmhmf8/s1600/lutyens+original+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rYKsppcVgCgTrSwORQI7eKgOalCEFg0MuQC2nr5pzw9dTkws-CH4UiLlqIXDUcxvA7xw5CQvsomIWxWTmGG-nVZNLYzPE3_DhdRkMmdmidKWHzpLAVywfij20-JLGEVRXhuW3Vmhmf8/s1600/lutyens+original+sketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As you can see it didn't change much. This motif graces the endpapers of the new book on the embassy as well; <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-architecture-of-diplomacy-british.html">The Architecture of Diplomacy</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQJSEzREgfcsFZ61a0ZlWlPO0Yj3NvQKNE_KJ-qJcpfk6g_be1Z7MpKVrYktXTuLKRdAd2HF2Pe3_cIFOd2pi2GzYZleLM56xOvNfug8brJoKebrOv14ZVkwezd9P7sAJYHJ7iDjzxxE/s1600/Lutyens+stairrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQJSEzREgfcsFZ61a0ZlWlPO0Yj3NvQKNE_KJ-qJcpfk6g_be1Z7MpKVrYktXTuLKRdAd2HF2Pe3_cIFOd2pi2GzYZleLM56xOvNfug8brJoKebrOv14ZVkwezd9P7sAJYHJ7iDjzxxE/s1600/Lutyens+stairrail.jpg" width="293" /></a></div> I love the furnished landings and I'll again point out the print gallery walls as well, installed in 2012.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUYXfk56qVgvsEz7bRBp22Mm20YSnWIH1fJhEjAVxCMDriLhd391qOTLBY2-MvIWhwA_HuDJ8iBc1T10dlslbh9RPTv2r0VU1nseQB2BA4nz613s5AXd70ZwPu3VV9dtjSMoS7YMQF8/s1600/main+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUYXfk56qVgvsEz7bRBp22Mm20YSnWIH1fJhEjAVxCMDriLhd391qOTLBY2-MvIWhwA_HuDJ8iBc1T10dlslbh9RPTv2r0VU1nseQB2BA4nz613s5AXd70ZwPu3VV9dtjSMoS7YMQF8/s1600/main+run.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Symmetry is key in the stair hall as throughout the residence. The interior window below to the right opens into an interior room: the morning room. Lutyens commonly designed such interior windows into his residential projects; supposedly so children could watch the festivities during parties!  A false mirrored window stands opposite the landing to attain this perfect symmetry.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QyLbNZ-unYd10p4YeDDciJ7F7lUi8maAaXZ_iz2oLceZYo0C8GKahzuAKjQOHS4-iDSLYxLE_kuKu9qKmN9k6h2lLLzXE1wncuF0IONL-NS7CZ8tnKy_KtoklS9HZNmQXEcDtrx2l9Q/s1600/interior+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QyLbNZ-unYd10p4YeDDciJ7F7lUi8maAaXZ_iz2oLceZYo0C8GKahzuAKjQOHS4-iDSLYxLE_kuKu9qKmN9k6h2lLLzXE1wncuF0IONL-NS7CZ8tnKy_KtoklS9HZNmQXEcDtrx2l9Q/s1600/interior+window.jpg" width="280" /></a></div> The placement of these ginger jars is perfection.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGiQh5Q7ktmJ7LOAcDB-SOUvg_mwejRbWmUjH3p5faU20zyWm1F5Wvyuf5YpjGtYg3jbtRRAjUxmdyJqOxRE7zjtts8BLNCNpV8Y0IAozmSuLao1Ic3nRJBhE6p3qFCloEXpIKMVpwQs/s1600/green+chair+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGiQh5Q7ktmJ7LOAcDB-SOUvg_mwejRbWmUjH3p5faU20zyWm1F5Wvyuf5YpjGtYg3jbtRRAjUxmdyJqOxRE7zjtts8BLNCNpV8Y0IAozmSuLao1Ic3nRJBhE6p3qFCloEXpIKMVpwQs/s1600/green+chair+2.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>The ladies cloak room off the stairhall features Fornasetti's very stylish <a href="http://www.cole-and-son.com/en/collection-fornasetti-ii/wallpaper-97/14043/">'Teatro'</a> wallpaper -manufactured by a very British company naturally, <a href="http://www.cole-and-son.com/">Cole & Son</a>. I loved these lanterns which flanked the opening.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftaYpTO511Z4ZSJNMNa04Bw8z_JQg_yDHtBeZYQVq0zwhtootVm2Mlpkyl59ViTL9WVz0NH0C7CZBTo0Q30odkRngg0e7s_8AMNxzoPdWoyDmmSyD_Sr1Ld2VNbCsvDJfppxmJz4dLlM/s1600/Fornasetti+wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftaYpTO511Z4ZSJNMNa04Bw8z_JQg_yDHtBeZYQVq0zwhtootVm2Mlpkyl59ViTL9WVz0NH0C7CZBTo0Q30odkRngg0e7s_8AMNxzoPdWoyDmmSyD_Sr1Ld2VNbCsvDJfppxmJz4dLlM/s1600/Fornasetti+wallpaper.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>The entry to the public spaces of the residence feature ornate plaster-work as well as lovely urns on pedestals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCk0NS_rEF4x3vqJt8mTFvpMZG0hqChFfe4vuK_TLkfMoKZELLRHRYnIQhoJd447F8oZOryad8-7IeWpDF3q_MwOAET7S2rCdaoop6JvTuW24Dql9Um1wnlD0NapQ2aalJvchHea8CAM/s1600/cherry+blossoms+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCk0NS_rEF4x3vqJt8mTFvpMZG0hqChFfe4vuK_TLkfMoKZELLRHRYnIQhoJd447F8oZOryad8-7IeWpDF3q_MwOAET7S2rCdaoop6JvTuW24Dql9Um1wnlD0NapQ2aalJvchHea8CAM/s1600/cherry+blossoms+2.jpg" width="296" /></a></div> A closeup of the plaster work reveals native flowers with classical figures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_iCLXNTmcvi-yg86fxpND8Widq30hP4_oM2VsQsnuwxV1i0AghnraOKvgmZ_WEPiiyBHVs5-aJb-B7j06qP6eR2jTfn74EP619zU1crqrCLg0KugnaF7i-2PtHZ9t7JA0YOAa9I7ArY/s1600/decorative+plasterwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_iCLXNTmcvi-yg86fxpND8Widq30hP4_oM2VsQsnuwxV1i0AghnraOKvgmZ_WEPiiyBHVs5-aJb-B7j06qP6eR2jTfn74EP619zU1crqrCLg0KugnaF7i-2PtHZ9t7JA0YOAa9I7ArY/s1600/decorative+plasterwork.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Join me in following posts for more on the public spaces of the British Embassy.</div>

Lutyen's British Embassy: Main Stair

The main staircase at the British Embassy was designed by Lutyens to awe all visitors and make a grand statement. The entrance to the embass...

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