With unprecedented access, interior designer and tastemaker Ashley Hicks reveals the splendour of the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, home of Britain's monarch since 1837. Hicks's eye, following the fresh approach and innovative airings of his popular Instagram offerings, brings a vibrant take to the formal spaces, capturing the beautifully furnished rooms with treasures from the Royal Collection as well as classic furniture from England and France.
Starting at the Grand Staircase, Hicks leads us through the opulently decorated halls: the White Drawing Room, the Blue Drawing Room overlooking the palace gardens, the Ballroom with its enormous lead-crystal chandeliers, and the Throne Room. The long, skylighted Picture Gallery is hung with important works of art: pieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, Van Dyck, and Canaletto. This intimate tour through the Buckingham Palace State Rooms is a necessary addition to the library of devotees of English architecture and decoration, exquisite decorative and fine arts, history, and one of the most famous and iconic monarchies in the world.
About the Author
Ashley Hicks is a British author, architect, interior and furniture designer, and photographer. He is the son of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary decorator David Hicks.
Industry Reviews
"We’ve seen a lot of the exterior of Buckingham Palace, from Queen Elizabeth’s addresses to various royal baby announcements, but rarely do we get such an intimate look at its interiors. Designer Ashley Hicks takes us inside the palace for a look at where we get a tour of the truly sumptuous rooms (the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Picture Gallery) in Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian styles that span the monarchs." —New York Magazine
"Royal watchers, history buffs and interior design aficionados alike will enjoy this look at the iconic home of Britain’s royal family. Interior designer Ashley Hicks (a grandson of Lord Mountbatten and brother of lifestyle entrepreneur India Hicks, who was a bridesmaid at the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana) presents his own photographs of the castle’s staterooms, hallways and galleries, and describes the décor and the esteemed history of each. This lavish volume underscores the magnificence of these spaces and provides a strong measure of majesty for readers (especially those who, like me, are anxiously waiting for Season 3 of The Crown to air)." —Design NJ
"Art publishing in 2018 produced a variety of interesting possibilities for the art lover on your Christmas list. Any fan of the British royal family will love Buckingham Palace" —Marina Times
"Being Prince Philip's godson comes with some perks. In his coffee table book, Buckingham Palace: The Interiors, designer Ashley Hicks takes readers inside the royal residence with photos of rooms rarely seen by the public." —TOWN COUNTRY