London Photo Gallery - Osterley House

A long walk from Osterley station on the Piccadilly Line, including through a vast section of green space, Osterley House was the party palace for the Child family in the late 18th century. Designed by Robert Adam down to the smallest details, what we see today has replaced a Tudor house built in the late 16th century. Sir Francis Child bought the property in 1713 and his grandson set off to transform the site into a grand mansion. The entrance hall has a Roman flavour with expensive French Grey walls as well as design furniture that only fits this room's dimensions. The Long Gallery showcases green pea coloured walls and plenty of paintings and chinoiserie artifacts, which were popular during the 18th century. The room is so long that it took up to 3 days to wax and polish the floor. Continuing, the next few rooms are under renovation with many furniture packed up to protect them from construction. The Drawing Room was used to relax after dinner, such as playing cards or playing music. Up above, the ceiling is based on the Temple of the Sun from ancient Syria, a mid-1760s design. The old curtains have also been taken down and put into display cases. This house was built on a raised platform above the original Tudor house, so the basement areas where the servants and the steward worked is actually on the ground level. A large garden outside has been well maintained with plenty of flowers. The semi-circular Garden House was also designed by Robert Adam and built in 1780. It was used to entertain guests and was full of exotic vegetation.