Banqueting House, Whitehall.
The Neo-Classical style building is the last remaining section of the Palace of Whitehall, which was originally commissioned by King Henry VIII and lost to a fire in 1698.
Banqueting House was built from 1619-1622 by architect Inigo Jones, the building style has strong influences of the popular Italian Palladio style for which he is famed. Used my king James I the house was not only used for banqueting and royal receptions but also for entertainment and dancing. However, In 1649 it was the site of the execution of Kind Charles I of England from scaffolding erected outside the building.
Today, the Banqueting House is a national monument, open to the public and continued to be used as a site for entertainment. It is under the management of Historic Royal Palace, an independent charity.
The Banqueting Hall
The Banqueting Hall Thrown.
At the far end of the Banqueting Hall sits a large throne, designed to act as a focal point for the room. Humphries Weaving were commissioned to weave hand cut plain silk velvet for the restoration of the Throne seat.
As the velvet is made by hand, every line must be delicately woven and carefully cut. A whole day of hand weaving can result in as little as 1 metre of fabric being produced and is therefore only commissioned for most prestigious projects. Hand cut velvet is usually desired over machine cut because no pile is created, resulting in increased luminosity and the highly luxurious finish.
Project reference: VELV
