Page 13 - cn - ah national trust society and nature 25-03-24

Nymans, West Sussex.

Nymans had been through two transformations. From the outset Ludwig and Annie Messel in 1890 purchased an
early Victorian house along with 600 acres of woodland and farmland. The Messel’s set about making alterations
and additions to their country home. It was through Ludwig’s passion for collecting art and antiques, and developed
friendships with leading artists and musicians that lead to the marriage of Maud to Ludwig’s son Leonard.
Maud was the daughter of Edward Linley Sambourne , then cartoonist for the Punch Magazine. When Ludwig died
in 1915, Leonard inherited Nymans. Leonard persuaded Maud to move into Nymans from their nearby property of
Balcombe House, on the proviso that he would make radical changes.
The house as seen today is the remnants of their home. For Maud, coming from an artistic family and social circles
in London felt a home should be full of charm and romance. The radical change came in the form of a completely
new house styled as a late Medieval manor. After first engaging the distinguished architect Norman Evill to create a
romantic idealised country house, Leonard and Maud then commissioned the renowned church architect Sir Walter
Tapper. Maud had researched the style she wanted from existing properties for inspiration including Great Chalfield
Manor in Wiltshire and Brede Place in Sussex. It took five years to realise its completion. Maud and Leonard were
passionate gardeners and further developed the gardens initially created by Ludwig, Annie and their daughter
Muriel. Advice was given by the nearby estates of Gravetye Manor and High Beeches.
The Forecourt and Knot Gardens were principally designed by Maud, whilst Leonard developed other areas of the
gardens.
The chosen time of day for this composition was mid to late morning, wherein the light direction accentuates what
had become a romantic ruined house, gutted by fire on the 19th February 1947. The windows now empty of glass
and frames, along with the stone and brick structure, take on the semblance of a past romantic age, a dream of the
past, especially when the building is softened by nature and weathering. By an ironic outcome such an ambience was
desired by Maud and Leonard Messel when they were planning their ideal home.

The Forecourt Garden
20 x 30 inches -o/p