In this exclusive film, Thomas Messel, shares unique insights into the wonderful story of his famous uncle - the iconic theatre and set designer, and later interior designer and architect Oliver Messel - and his deep connection and influence on the 20th-century chapter of the fascinating and historic building that is Flaxley Abbey, in Gloucestershire, UK.
Originally founded in 1151 as a Cistercian monastery and, under royal protection during the reign of Henry II, Flaxley Abbey was used as royal hunting quarters. Since then the estate has had many owners - each leaving an indelible mark over generations - including the Crawley-Boevey who retained the house from 1648-1960.
As Thomas explains, extensive restoration was carried out by the new owners, including interiors redesigned by Thomas' uncle, the Tony Award-winning theatre and set designer Oliver Messel, one of the most iconic figures of twentieth-century design, whose romantic, whimsical, and wholly original style has influenced a generation of architects and decorators.
Flaxley Abbey is a house with an inescapable feeling of history and warmth, the contents a fascinatingly eclectic selection of works of art, furniture, and pictures that have been inherited, collected, and worked on by owners, architects, and designers spanning over 500 years.
The collection works like a needle thread not only through the history of the house but also provides a window into that iconic country house style of the 20th century.
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IMAGE, ARCHIVE & MUSIC CREDITS
Photos & Imagery | Courtesy of the Messel Family Archive and Collection
Footage of Oliver Messel at The Dorchester | The Penthouse Suite 1953 | British Pathe
Music | Together at Last | Created by Anthony Vega | Artlist
Music | Touch of Light | Created by Tom Goldstein | Artlist
Music | Bright Eyes | Created by Hans Johnson | Artlist
Music | The Sleeping Beauty | Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. | Doráti, Antal (conductor); Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Recorded 1955.04.10-11 in Minneapolis, Northrop Auditorium.