The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House

Beautiful book

Very good

Typical Rizzoli publication- beautifully produced with high quality photography, binding and typography. However, this goes beyond most books of this sort as the comentaries by Bulmer are erudite and informative about the design process and the reasons for the choices made. He sees interior design as an informed dialogue with the past when so much contemporary decoration is drearily monochrome or, where colour is permitted, it is a trivial afterthought responding to a trend.Although these are for the most part sumptuous interiors created with the highest quality materials, paintings and artifacts at enormous cost, there is much to learn here for anyone interested in historically informed design.

Excellent book - I could't put it down.Packed full of joy - and great photos.This really is one of the best books on the English Country House ever written.

Bought as a Christmas present for my wife, this book has a perfect balance between glorious photography and informative well-written text. The houses described are all (barring one) lived-in family homes: they range from modest country seats (including Bulmer's own) to glorious piles, of national significance. This book combines social history, practical conservation, and sheer visual pleasure - she has enjoyed reading it, and now it's my turn!

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As very satisfied customer of the Edward Bulmer paint company, how could I resist seeing more home decor inspiration from the man himself. I bought this lovely volume as a treat to myself.

This is one of the best interior books I have ever read, very thoughtful text, beautiful pictures. A delight to read.

To me, there is nothing better than good English Country House interiors. This book features a designer with a remarkable talent for combining color and pattern. Needlepoint cushions, inlay tables, and lush trims abound. I loved both the library and the Patricia Portman bedroom at Oakly Park. The billiard rooms at both Pitshill and Althorp were gorgeous as well. The Great Hall and Study at Chequers were probably two of my favorite rooms of all, as well as The library featured in the Private Clubs section which was a place that called out to my very heart and soul. Dorford Hall was hands down my favorite exterior featured. I loved that the Philip Mould Gallery has colorful walls. For some inexplicable reason, people think that galleries should have white walls, but I’ve always found that color sets off the frames and artwork far better. Overall, this book was a masterpiece which is a welcome addition to my library.

I watched the author's talk at the Victoria & Albert Museum earlier this month (December 2022) with Philip Mould and thoroughly enjoyed it, prompting me to buy the book which is absolutely spectacular. The photography and the writing are first-rate. I love going through stately homes but most of the ones I've been through have been more like museums and I wouldn't imagine being able to live in them. This book shows how talented Mr. Bulmer preserves and enhances historic detail and style and creates interiors that draw you in and make you never want to leave. I told my sister to buy this book for herself and she and I page through our copies together. There are a lot of good ideas for people wanting their homes to have a little bit of the feeling of these historic places. I have hundreds of design/interior books and this one is in my top five.

One of the best English country house books I have ever bought. Edward Bulmer is a fabulous interior designer, a true artist. The photographs in this book are exquisite.

This is a great book with lots of interesting information. The photography throughout is outstanding. It’s so well done, I feel like I was actually in the rooms and seen the colours and textures with my own eyes. Worth every cent

Amazing book. In fact, one of THE BEST design books I've ever purchased and I have quite a library of design books. Highly recommend!