If Walls Could Talk... Season 10 Episode 4 Home is Where the Art Is
- October 27, 2003
- 21 min
If Walls Could Talk... is a popular home renovation show that explores the history and stories behind old houses and buildings. In the season 10 episode 4, titled "Home is Where the Art Is", viewers are taken on a tour of a unique home that doubles as an art museum.
The episode begins with host Lucy Worsley introducing the audience to the owners of the home, a couple named Jonathan and Sarah. The couple live in a stunning Georgian-style home in the heart of London, which has been passed down through generations of Jonathan's family. They have lovingly restored and renovated the home over the years, but it's what they've done with the interior that sets this house apart from any other.
As Lucy enters the home, she is immediately absorbed into the world of art and design that the couple have created within the walls. She notes that the decor is a mix of antique and modern, with each room having its unique theme and focus. Jonathan and Sarah's passion for art is evident as the walls are adorned with the works of some of the world's most famous artists.
What sets this house apart is that it's not a gallery, it's a home. The art is not just on display for visitors, it's integrated into the fabric of the family's life. As Lucy is taken on a tour of the house, she discovers that every single artwork has been hand-selected by the couple and holds a significant meaning or story to them.
In the living room, Lucy is shown a beautiful painting by the renowned artist, JMW Turner. Jonathan shares a personal connection with the painting as his great-great-grandfather was a friend of Turner and commissioned the piece. In the dining room, a striking work by Tracy Emin is displayed, which Sarah purchased as a reminder of a time when she felt she was not true to herself.
Every piece of art adds to the story of the home, and Lucy is mesmerized by their beauty and the tales they tell. But, the artwork is not the only unique feature of the home. The couple has also used the space to showcase their love of music.
Lucy is led to a room filled with musical instruments, including an old grand piano and a harp. It's in this room where the couple often holds intimate concerts with close friends and family. They occasionally invite well-known musicians to play, and the room is said to have fantastic acoustic qualities.
The high point of the episode is the reveal of a secret room. The couple shares that the space was once used as a printing press, but it had since been converted into a study. However, it's not just any ordinary study. The walls are lined with rare books, and the centerpiece of the room is a globe bar. Lucy is thrilled to discover that the globe bar has an incredible backstory, and it's clear that Jonathan and Sarah have a knack for collecting items that come with their own narrative and history.
Overall, the episode "Home is Where the Art Is" is an excellent watch for anyone passionate about art, design, and history. The couple's love of collecting, their respect for historical significance, and their desire to create a unique living space are evident in every room of the home. It's a beautiful example of how a house can be more than just four walls but a living, breathing museum filled with stories that span generations.