Chapter 1: Landscapes
This chapter explores the National Trust's extensive collection of landscape paintings, capturing the beauty and diversity of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
* Example: Thomas Gainsborough's "The Haywain" (1781) portrays a serene rural scene, with a group of horses and a cart crossing a stream under a dramatic summer sky.
Chapter 2: Portraits
The National Trust holds a significant number of portraits, providing insights into the lives and personalities of prominent historical figures.
* Example: John Singer Sargent's portrait of "Sir Frank Swettenham" (1905) depicts the British colonial administrator with a keen gaze and a strong sense of authority.
Chapter 3: Interiors
This chapter showcases paintings that offer glimpses into the domestic life and social interactions of the past.
* Example: Alfred Stevens' "The Music Room at The Red House" (1860) captures the intimate and artistic ambiance of William Morris's home, with its vibrant furnishings and bohemian atmosphere.
Chapter 4: Narrative Scenes
The National Trust collection includes paintings that depict historical, literary, or mythical events, offering a window into the past and the collective imagination.
* Example: Edward Burne-Jones' "The Golden Stairs" (1880) portrays a scene from the Arthurian legend, with figures ascending a celestial staircase towards a heavenly realm.
Chapter 5: Still Lifes
This chapter features paintings that capture the beauty and detail of everyday objects, showcasing the artistic skill and attention to observation.
* Example: Oswald Birley's "Antonia's Fruit" (1949) depicts a vibrant arrangement of fruit and flowers, rendered with meticulous realism.
Chapter 6: Seascapes
The National Trust's collection includes numerous seascapes, capturing the grandeur and tranquility of England's coastline.
* Example: J.M.W. Turner's "The Fighting Temeraire" (1838) depicts the decommissioned warship being towed by a steam-powered tugboat, symbolizing the changing maritime landscape.
Chapter 7: Animals
This chapter showcases paintings featuring animals, capturing their beauty, character, and relationship with humans.
* Example: Edwin Landseer's "Monarch of the Glen" (1851) portrays a majestic stag standing proudly in the rugged Scottish Highlands.
Chapter 8: Flowers
The National Trust collection includes a wide range of paintings that celebrate the beauty and variety of flowers.
* Example: Alfred Parsons' "The Wild Rose" (1891) captures the delicate beauty of a wild rose in bloom, exuding a sense of tranquility and grace.
Chapter 9: Birds
This chapter features paintings that portray the vibrant and diverse birdlife of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
* Example: Peter Scott's "Pink-footed Geese" (1952) captures a flock of these migratory birds in flight, their distinctive plumage and aerial ballet showcased with great skill.
Chapter 10: The National Trust Today
The final chapter provides an overview of the National Trust's current work in preserving and managing historic landscapes, buildings, and artworks for the benefit of future generations.
