George IV (1762-1830) was a gifted royal patron whose love of fine objects and taste for the theatrical and the romantic are well documented. In this pioneering study Hugh Roberts focuses on the King's last and greatest commission: the rebuilding and refurnishing of the Private Apartments at Windsor Castle. Drawing on much previously unpublished material, including royal correspondence, original accounts, and detailed inventories, he reconstructs George IV's ambitious program. Always over budget, and never delivered swiftly enough for his liking, the project was still unfurnished when the King died in 1830. Much of the surviving furniture is still in its original setting at Windsor, and it is published here for the first time. Virtually every identified item is illustrated, and there are high-quality reproductions of the richly colored room designs and original drawings requested by the King. The furniture and fittings now form part of the Royal Collection, and they can still be seen in their superb surroundings when the Apartments are opened to the public each year. 486 color illustrations. -- amazon.com
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