Chastleton, a dressing room decked in 17th century Hungarian point embroidery

I was researching some embroidery techniques when I came across these photos of this wonderful dressing room with walls covered from floor to ceiling in 17th century Hungarian point flame pattern needlework. It is quite the most incredible room I have seen for a long time.

Chastleton was built by wool merchant & member of Parliament Walter Jones in 1603: '...it has been hanging in the house since it was built: listed in Walter Jones' inventory of chattels dated 1663, it is extremely rare & valuable.The colour gradations must have been exquisite when the silk and wool used were fresh; even with irregular fading (different dyed batches changing colour variously) the effect is splendid.' Country House Needlepoint by Frances Kennett & Belinda Scarlett, published by Guild Publishing London 1988.

This wonderful book also has patterns for reproducing some gorgeous traditional-style embroideries, a highly recommended book if you can get hold of it.