I have just been on my bicycle to the offices of Lund Humphries to pick up one of the first copies of my book, John Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture, just arrived from the printers in Bosnia.
This is, as every author knows, an exciting moment. Instead of staring at it on screen for the last four years, it is a reality. And Lund Humphries have done a really wonderful job in terms of its production. White paper. Matt photographs. I already knew that the designer, Mark Thomson, had done a brilliant job in terms of its layout, mixing colour and black-and white, double-page spreads, drawings and contemporary portraits, giving the reader a proper sense, I hope, of the gestation of the work and of Vanbrugh’s friends, allies and clients. David Valinsky has taken excellent photographs of the three greatest surviving houses – Castle Howard, Blenheim and Grimsthorpe.
You are all invited to the launch at the Wigmore Hall on November 20th:-
https://www.wigmore-hall.org.uk/whats-on/202511201200
Please come.
Meanwhile, copies can be pre-ordered from Lund Humphries.
Or Amazon.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Many congratulations to you Charles! Looking forward to the launch.
Dear Charles,
Always a great moment! Congratulations! Will it be published in the USA at some point?
–Ivan
I think the publishers said in March. Must find out. Charles
It comes out in the US on March 2nd. Charles
Congratulations. Too far to come from Tasmania but I wish I could be there. I have been to Blenheim and Castle Howard but not to Grimsthorpe.
As an aside David Walsh is building a huge new gallery at MONA here so you might have to make another trip.
Tasmania was my last big trip. I would love to come again. Charles
Charles
many many congratulations
how exciting
I would love to come to the launch
love Janice
JaniceSacher
Please do ! Charles
Congratulations
Wonderful news, Charles. I very much hope to attend. Will you also be signing copies afterwards?
Of course ! Charles
Enjoyed reading your article on Sir Roy Smith. I visited his home when he led us round his garden – then whilst i lingered in the garden to look more closely/slowly he had donned his tight (very tight!) colourful lycra outfit and cycled off! as you say – a real character Janice xx
Janice M Sacher Chief Executive Hermitage Foundation UK 5a Bloomsbury Square LONDON WC1A 2TA
Tel: +44 7384633315
janice.sacher@hermitagefoundation.co.uk