Lady Spencer

I have always been surrounded by my family’s legacy,” says interior designer and author Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill. “It influenced my choice of career — largely because of my exposure to the extraordinary art, architecture and design in my grandparent’s home.”

The 300-room “home” she refers to is Blenheim Palace. Considered one of England’s finest examples of Baroque architecture, Blenheim was once the residence of Sir Winston Churchill, Consuelo Vanderbilt and many other historical figures. In her latest book, aptly named “Blenheim and the Churchill Family,” Lady Spencer-Churchill preserves this important part of her family’s heritage with a collection of correspondence, portraits, paintings, photographs and events that shaped the home and its occupants.

This past January, Lady Spencer-Churchill discussed her new book and design philosophy at The Boca Raton Historical Society’s “A Royal Afternoon Tea” at Mar-a-Lago. “I design a world I want to live in, but I do not impose my style, ego or stamp,” Lady Spencer-Churchill says. “I am being most creative when I design what my client wants.”

Her extraordinary background and inspiring surroundings first led Lady Spencer-Churchill to choose design as a profession. However, “after completing school, my interest in the arts and writing was enhanced by my travels and education in Florence and Paris,” she says. “When I returned to England, I finished my studies at Inchbald, the famed English design school.” Soon after, Lady Spencer-Churchill founded her own design company, called Woodstock Designs, and opened an office in London.

Since then, having completed projects around the world, her period-style designs have brought her international acclaim. Not surprisingly, most of her work has been classically influenced. “Traditional styles are coming back,” Lady Spencer-Churchill says. “People simply relate to the quality inherent in traditional design.”

Her achievements include the restoration of novelist Edith Wharton’s library. “I designed it in a contemporary classic style to suit what I think her style would be today,“ Lady Spencer-Churchill says. In addition, she has designed a collection of fabrics based on the artwork of one of her ancestors, the Duchess of Marlborough. Prior to her book on Blenheim Palace, Lady Spencer-Churchill penned seven others that discuss various classical design principles. Currently, she is working on a PBS television special called “The Great Estates of Palm Beach,” which will include Consuelo Vanderbilt’s Manalapan estate, Casa Alva.

For more information on Lady Spencer-Churchill’s books, visit www.rizzoliusa.com.

	I have always been surrounded by my family’s legacy,” says interior designer and author Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill. “It influenced my choice of career — largely because of my exposure to the extraordinary art, architecture and design in my grandparent’s home.” The 300-room “home” she refers to is Blenheim Palace. Considered one of England’s finest examples of Baroque architecture, Blenheim was once the residence of Sir Winston Churchill, Consuelo Vanderbilt and many other historical figures. In her latest book, aptly named “Blenheim and the Churchill Family,” Lady Spencer-Churchill preserves this important part of her family’s heritage with a collection of correspondence, portraits, paintings, photographs and events that shaped the home and its occupants. This past January, Lady Spencer-Churchill discussed her new book and design philosophy at The Boca Raton Historical Society’s “A Royal Afternoon Tea” at Mar-a-Lago. “I design a world I want to live in, but I do not impose my style, ego or stamp,” Lady Spencer-Churchill says. “I am being most creative when I design what my client wants.” Her extraordinary background and inspiring surroundings first led Lady Spencer-Churchill to choose design as a profession. However, “after completing school, my interest in the arts and writing was enhanced by my travels and education in Florence and Paris,” she says. “When I returned to England, I finished my studies at Inchbald, the famed English design school.” Soon after, Lady Spencer-Churchill founded her own design company, called Woodstock Designs, and opened an office in London. Since then, having completed projects around the world, her period-style designs have brought her international acclaim. Not surprisingly, most of her work has been classically influenced. “Traditional styles are coming back,” Lady Spencer-Churchill says. “People simply relate to the quality inherent in traditional design.” Her achievements include the restoration of novelist Edith Wharton’s library. “I designed it in a contemporary classic style to suit what I think her style would be today,“ Lady Spencer-Churchill says. In addition, she has designed a collection of fabrics based on the artwork of one of her ancestors, the Duchess of Marlborough. Prior to her book on Blenheim Palace, Lady Spencer-Churchill penned seven others that discuss various classical design principles. Currently, she is working on a PBS television special called “The Great Estates of Palm Beach,” which will include Consuelo Vanderbilt’s Manalapan estate, Casa Alva. For more information on Lady Spencer-Churchill’s books, visit www.rizzoliusa.com.
above: Built in the 18th century, Blenheim Palace is considered one of England’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill’s family still owns the magnificent estate.

“Blenheim and the Churchill Family” by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill

above: Lady Spencer-Churchill pieces together her family’s rich heritage in her new book, “Blenheim and the Churchill Family.”

The enfilade of second-floor bedrooms, mostly used for guests, spans the entire east and south wings.

above: This guestroom was formerly used as a pressing room. Lady Spencer-Churchill’s stepmother, Rosita, painted the murals on the walls.