Jewish Country Houses

Jewish Country Houses explores the world of Jewish country houses, their architecture, collections, and the lives of the extraordinary men and women who created, transformed, and shaped them, revealing a complex story of prejudice and integration, difference and connection. With beautiful illustrations and a new body of work by Hélène Binet, it is the first book to tell this story, from the playful historicism of Waddesdon Manor to the modernist masterpiece of Villa Tugendhat.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

A magnificent work of scholarship, Edmund de Waal's "Jewish Country Houses" is a captivating exploration of the world of Jewish country houses, their architecture, and their collections. Through a series of striking case studies, de Waal reveals the complex story of prejudice and integration, difference and connection, and the remarkable achievements of newly emancipated Jews across Europe. With beautiful illustrations and a new body of work by the celebrated photographer Hélène Binet, this book is the first to tell that story, from the playful historicism of the National Trust's Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire to the modernist masterpiece that is the Villa Tugendhat in the Czech city of Brno and across the Atlantic to the United States, where American Jews infused the European country house tradition with their own distinctive concerns and experiences.

Jewish country houses are powerful symbols of national identity, evoking the glamorous world of the landowning aristocracy. However, they tell a more complex story of prejudice and integration, difference and connection. Many had spectacular art collections and gardens, while others were stages for lavish entertaining or inspired the European avant-garde. A few are now museums of international importance, while many more are hidden treasures and all were beloved homes that bear witness to the remarkable achievements of newly emancipated Jews across Europe and to a dream of belonging that mostly came to a brutal end with the Holocaust.

De Waal's book explores the history of Jewish country houses from the early 19th century to the present day, highlighting the contributions of Jewish architects, designers, and collectors. He reveals how Jewish country houses were often built on the sites of former Jewish communities, and how they were designed to reflect the cultural and religious traditions of the Jewish community. He also explores the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish country houses, and how they have been preserved and restored in the years since.

One of the most striking case studies in the book is the Villa Tugendhat in the Czech city of Brno. Designed by the architect Mies van der Rohe, the Villa Tugendhat is a masterpiece of modernist architecture that was completed in 1930. It is a stunning example of the Bauhaus style, and it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. De Waal explores the history of the Villa Tugendhat, including its construction, its design, and its impact on the city of Brno. He also interviews the current owner of the Villa, who has preserved it as a living museum.

Another case study in the book is the National Trust's Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. Built in the early 19th century, Waddesdon Manor is a magnificent example of a Georgian country house. It is home to a vast collection of art and furniture, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. De Waal explores the history of Waddesdon Manor, including its construction, its design, and its impact on the local community. He also interviews the current owner of the Manor, who has worked to preserve it as a living museum.

De Waal's book also explores the impact of Jewish country houses on the wider world. He discusses the influence of Jewish country houses on the development of modern architecture, and how they have been used as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. He also explores the role of Jewish country houses in the preservation of Jewish culture and heritage.

One of the most significant challenges facing Jewish country houses is the preservation of their collections. Many of these collections are fragile and vulnerable, and they require careful conservation and restoration. De Waal discusses the efforts that have been made to preserve these collections, including the establishment of museums and cultural centers, and the use of technology to digitize and preserve the collections.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, "Jewish Country Houses" is also a beautiful book. De Waal's illustrations are stunning, and they bring the houses and their collections to life. He also includes interviews with the owners and designers of the houses, which provide a personal perspective on the houses and their history.

Overall, "Jewish Country Houses" is a magnificent work of scholarship that explores the world of Jewish country houses, their architecture, and their collections. Through a series of striking case studies, de Waal reveals the complex story of prejudice and integration, difference and connection, and the remarkable achievements of newly emancipated Jews across Europe. With beautiful illustrations and a new body of work by the celebrated photographer Hélène Binet, this book is the first to tell that story, from the playful historicism of the National Trust's Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire to the modernist masterpiece that is the Villa Tugendhat in the Czech city of Brno and across the Atlantic to the United States, where American Jews infused the European country house tradition with their own distinctive concerns and experiences.

Weight: 1812g
Dimension: 223 x 278 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800810358
Edition number: Main