An English Vision - by Ben Pentreath (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This is the first of Pentreath's books to present his own output in its entirety--from his personal residences in Dorset, London, and Scotland that brought him international fame to many old and new houses that he has designed and some of the larger, town-scaled projects that make his practice unique in the world of traditional design. Although the results range from his colorful and romantic versions of the English country cottage to traditional splendor, there are underlying ideas that inform the breadth of his output--a sense of scale, proportion, craft, detail, sustainability, and appropriateness--that have a universal relevance today. Pentreath has authored as well as taken all photographs in this book, which looks at some thirty case studies, large and small, including many previously unpublished works. The designs encompass an understanding of materials, texture, classical and vernacular detail, color, richness, and simplicity by turn--as exemplified in both sumptuous and honest interiors, grand country houses, and pragmatically organized town plans. While being steeped in a learned classicism, Pentreath's work is celebrated by young and old around the world, as exemplified by his coverage in major media outlets." --

Book Synopsis

Pentreath is renowned as one of the foremost designers of new traditional buildings and country houses in the world. In celebration of his London-based firm's twentieth anniversary, Pentreath presents his authentically, yet playfully, classical approach.

This is the first of Pentreath's books to present his own output in its entirety--from his personal residences in Dorset, London, and Scotland that brought him international fame to many old and new houses that he has designed and some of the larger, town-scaled projects that make his practice unique in the world of traditional design. Although the results range from his colorful and romantic versions of the English country cottage to traditional splendor, there are underlying ideas that inform the breadth of his output--a sense of scale, proportion, craft, detail, sustainability, and appropriateness--that have a universal relevance today.

Pentreath has authored as well as taken all photographs in this book, which looks at some thirty case studies, large and small, including many previously unpublished works. The designs encompass an understanding of materials, texture, classical and vernacular detail, color, richness, and simplicity by turn--as exemplified in both sumptuous and honest interiors, grand country houses, and pragmatically organized town plans. While being steeped in a learned classicism, Pentreath's work is celebrated by young and old around the world, as exemplified by his coverage in major media outlets.

Review Quotes

"Ben Pentreath's An English Vision celebrates timeless English interiors, blending classic style with fresh, innovative ideas." -- VOUGE

"Designer Ben Pentreath brings his colorful and traditional aesthetic to life in An English Vision with photographs he took himself. The book encompasses projects from the city to the country, including the London home of culinary writer Skye McAlpine. Pentreath writes that he tries not to overthink the ingredients for a successful interior: 'A bit like the best cooking, a combination of following good recipes, with a splash of inspiration and sometimes luck.'" -- ELLE DECOR

"Looking back across Pentreath's work, it showcases more than his taste for Bloomsbury floral wallpapers, and the punch a Greek key upholstered ottoman can pack. Per the designer himself, it's a collection of things 'longer lasting than a lampshade... if you get it right, the street will be just as you designed it for thousands of years.'" -- VOGUE

About the Author

Ben Pentreath is a London-based architectural and interior designer, educator, and author. He received the 2023 Richard H. Driehaus Prize for excellence in the field of classical architecture. The Earl of Moray is the founder and chairman of Tornagrain, a new town in the Scottish Highlands. Pentreath has overseen the master plan and architectural design of Tornagrain.