Page 22 - cn - fg- The Assembly of Time - Studio Brochure - flickbook e- presentation_Neat

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 Maga-
zine. 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 inspi-
ration 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 di-
rection 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.

139385 The Forecourt Garden
401/8 601/16 inches -o/c
Nymans, West Sussex.