Publisher's Synopsis
The fire at Windsor Castle on 20 November 1992 was a national disaster. Dramatic footage of the partial destruction of England's oldest continuously inhabited castle was shown in TV news bulletins the world over.;Almost as well documented was the pleasure and satisfaction with which the castle was re-opened on 20 November 1997, when the work of hundreds of skilled engineers, builders and craftsmen was finally revealed to a fascinated public.;Following a tradition long established in the royal family, the Prince of Wales in 1992 invited the watercolour artist Alexander Creswell to record the nine State Rooms at Windsor as they appeared after the fire and, later, as they were when finally restored. Experience gained while accompanying the Prince on his foreign tours ensured he was able not only to capture the subtle atmosphere of each room, but also to keep a diary of his immediate thoughts and impressions. His 21 watercolours now hang in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.;This catalogue, which accompanies an exhibition to be held at the castle, contains 20 of the artist's paintings, together with his own commentaries on the challenges posed by each location and the growing sense of excitment as their gradual transformation was finally completed. Accompanying notes add to the detail.
