Hardwick Hall Flashcards
What (IMO) are the three main things showcased by Hardwick Hall
Bess’s extreme wealth; Bess’s Ambition; New Technologies/Fashions
Why did Bess have a substantial garden
For relaxation, changes in society meant that owners wanted gardens for relaxation close to home
What does the large hallway suggest
Bess calculated it’s size to impress visitors, indicating her ambition
What does the bed in the Long Gallery suggest
It was placed there to showcase wealth and taste, so displays both wealth and ambition
What do the gilded feet on some beds show
Extreme wealth
Large collection of Flemish tapestries
Extreme wealth, tapestries alone were expensive, and these were imported from the Netherlands
How many french stools did Bess have
6
What do the french stools indicate
Wealth and taste, but were positioned around the house strategically to impress, suggesting ambition
What does the layout of the House (similar floorplan to the Queen’s court) suggest?
She is politically ambitious, and wants to impress the Queen, though she never visited
Three parts of Bess’s expansive garden
Courtyard, vegetable patches, wooded areas
What does Bess’s expansive garden show?
Extreme wealth
What do the Persian carpets show?
Extreme Wealth (imported from east)
How was Hardwick Hall modern (fashion)?
Symmetrical, used modern architect Robert Smythson
Who was the architect that designed Hardwick Hall
Robert Smythson
What does Hardwick Hall’s modernity show
Bess’s ambition, as she wanted to look fashionable and modern
What was the saying about glass at Hardwick?
“Hardwick Hall, More glass than wall”
Where did Bess get her glass from?
Her own personal glassworks
What does the glass show at Hardwick
Extreme wealth
What do the turrets’ ‘ES’ decorations show?
Bess’s political ambition to showcase her power; ES are her initials
What did ‘modern’ chimneys mean
The great hall was less smoky, and private chambers were possible
What were ‘modern’ chimneys an example of
New developments in technology
Why were ‘modern’ chimneys developed
Timber supplies fell nationwide, forcing a switch to coal as fire fuel, and a need for better ventilation due to coal’s toxic fumes
What were double piles
Houses that were two rooms deep
What did double piles need?
Double picthes
What were double pitches
M shaped rooves made of lead to support double piles
What did double pitches show
New technology
Why did double piles become popular?
Because increased lead production made double pitches available
What did the grand, wide staircase show
Extreme wealth, and Bess’s ambition as she made sure people noticed her wealth
What does the heraldry throughout the house show?
Bess’s ambition, as she tried to show off her heritage
What does Bess’s family portrait with the Queen in the Lowe Great Chamber show?
Bess’s ambition and status, as it showcases family authority and shows herself as a good subject to the Queen
Why were the most impressive rooms like the Long Gallery upstairs?
So Bess could lead visitors there through the house, showing off her art like tapestries, rugs and heraldry
What do the Flemish crests adorning the house show?
Bess’s wealth is showcased to even people outside the house
