Tucked away in a quiet, leafy square off Knightsbridge, 28 Brompton Square is an early-nineteenth century townhouse bought by Gavin, 2nd Lord Faringdon in 1953 as his London home. Formerly a school, and later divided into flats, he restored it as a private house. In contrast to the Palladian formality of the family seat at Buscot Park, Oxfordshire, the London house was a blank canvas on which he was able to bring his strong decorative sense to bear, and he filled it with artworks and furnishings that reflected his eclectic taste and love of the unusual. Lord Faringdon had a particular passion for Regency and Biedermeier furniture, of which there are several important examples, including a Germany mahogany secretaire of c. 1825. Other highlights include the witty trompe l’oeil murals in the dining room, commissioned from Roy Hobdell by Lord Faringdon and featuring his friends in the guise of classical statues, and Lord Faringdon’s collection of pictures by contemporary artists. The paintings, sculpture and furniture are displayed over three floors, and the principal reception rooms are sumptuously decorated by Alidad.

Our visit will be led by Dr Amy Lim, Curator of the Faringdon Collection. Please note that due to the historic nature and compact size of the property, the upper floors can only be accessed by several flights of stairs.

COST: £35, to include a glass of wine

LIMIT: 15

This visit is now fully subscribed. Please contact the Events Secretary if you wish to be placed on a wait list. 

The Faringdon Collection at 28 Brompton Square