PAINT THE WALL

The Rough Luxe Appeal of Pewter

The use of pewter can be traced back to the Egyptians and later the Romans. The use of pewter in Europe was first recorded in the 11th century. Originally, it was used mostly for religious purposes and by the wealthy. As it became more common amongst the masses, Middle Age Europe used pewter extensively until its popularity waned with the advancement of pottery and glass in the 18th and 19th centuries. Until the development of porcelain, pewter was the chief tableware.

In 1348, King Edward IV of England granted the first charter regulating the pewter industry to "The Worshipful Company of Pewterers." The guild had the authority to search throughout England to ensure the quality of pewter was upheld and to seize that which failed to meet their high standards. Despite abuses of power, this strict regulating insured that English pewter was regarded as the finest available.

The history of pewter in America dates to the early 1600s colonial period as it was brought over from England. Interestingly, new items could only be cast by melting down old ones due to the English ban on the export of tin and pewter is a tin-based metal alloy. In the late 18th century, with the appearance of Brittania metal and as people's taste changed to silverware, the demise of the pewter industry in America mirrored that of Europe's. Today, pewter is popular once again with fans of its rough luxe elegance.

American stylist Brian Andriola

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Design by Axel Vervoordt

Pair of pewter chestnut urns

Design by Jackye Lanham

Design by John Saladino

Arte Italica pewter

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American William Will 1742-1798 Coffee Pot

Design by Jimmy Stanton

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Rare German pewter chandelier of miners from Saxony

Design by Alex Macarthur

Pair of French pewter urns

Hood design by Oscar Shamamian

Design by Wanda Pairon

"Italian Country Living," by Caroline Clifton-Mogg

Rare French Bistro Counter

I make every effort to credit original sources and link wherever possible. I would be grateful if you can provide information on any unnamed source. If you are the owner of any uncredited images, no deliberate infringement of copyright is intended. I respect all intellectual property and will remove or modify any image or post at the owner's request.

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The Romantic Beauty Of Irish Castles!

Ireland is famous for its incredibly beautiful land and the many castles which are part of its fascinating history. Here is a peek at a few whose interior's are the stuff of fair maiden's dreams.

Bunratty Castle (Castle at the Mouth of the Ratty) in Clare County was in origin a Viking trading camp, dating to 970.

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This room with its rustic table and warm colors is ideal for long winter evenings supping by the fire while paging through weighty and scholarly tomes.

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Tortoiseshells and a collection of pewter plates.

Rose Cottage at Bunratty

Also in Clare County is Ballyportry, a Gaelic tower house built in the 15th century.

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This room charms with its Irish plaid, sheepskin rugs and cozy fire.

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This stone bath promises many hours spent gazing out to the green lands beyond.

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A castle kitchen with all the architectural elements one could ever dream of.

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Ballyhannon Castle, built in 1490, is a late 15th c towerhouse in Quin, County Clare with a history of knighthood and conflict.

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For true romantics, all rooms in the castle are accessed by a spiral staircase.

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Once likely a strictly utilitarian cold and uncomfortable dining hall, today is made pleasant through the use of color and candlelight.

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Kitchen cabinet door fronts in the shape of shields are a nod to the castle's history of knighthood.

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A bedroom is made cozy with a curtained bed to close against the evening cold.

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A coach house on the castle grounds welcomes with flowers and light filled rooms.

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Portieres add warmth and color throughout

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Castle Leslie Estate is a Baronial 19th century castle adjacent to the village of Glaslough, Monaghan. It has been home to the Leslie family since the 1600s.

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The gorgeous fireplace is made even more beautiful by the brilliant wall color and carefully placed art.

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A delightful room of cream and blue with doors the outside.

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The dark furnishing beautifully compliment the vivid blue of the toile wallpaper.

Turin Castle is in the ancient barony of Kilmaine and is surrounded by walled pasture land.

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A nod to a medieval past

The sitting room in green and gold is both formal and welcoming.

The kitchen is totally modern yet retains elements of history.

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An evening spent in a castle bedchamber would surely conjur up dreams of white knights.

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I make every effort to credit original sources and link wherever possible. I would be grateful if you can provide information on any unnamed source. If you are the owner of any uncredited images, no deliberate infringement of copyright is intended. I respect all intellectual property and will remove or modify any image or post at the owner's request.

Thanks for visiting A House Romance!

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