Modern to medieval

Travel around half an hour from central London, and you will find this gem. Eltham Palace deserves its name – it’s a 1930s stately pile with a cool, stylish Art Deco interior, dripping with pale wood and boasting a reception area which sits under a futuristic glass dome.

But it’s not all muted modernity here. A magnificent great hall originating from the 15th century with a towering oak ceiling and a minstrels’ gallery is the truly neck-pivoting, jaw-dropping sight. And out in the tranquil grounds, you find a sturdy old stone bridge and even an ancient underpass.

It’s heaving with visitors on Bank Holiday weekends, but it isn’t hard to see why. Enjoy this brief impression…

Click first image to view this selection

Tags: architecure, Art Deco, curtains, Eltham Palace, English Heritage, Great Hall, history, London, medieval, minstrels' gallery, photography, tourism, travel

19 thoughts on “Modern to medieval”

Cos on May 31, 2015 at 11:32 said:

Great Art Deco Spaceship! Thanks for sharing the link, by the way, to see the details in context ;-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 11:37 said:
  
  I always like to provide! And this story is a little too much to convey in my little paragraphs :)
  
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dianaed2013 on May 31, 2015 at 12:14 said:

Just love Eltham Palace.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 12:16 said:
  
  I was impressed too, Diana. Apart from the crowds! The grounds are lovely too, which was the source of an entirely separate set of shots.
  
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ckponderings on May 31, 2015 at 13:03 said:

A lovely set of images; again another place from my home city that I’ve not visited…

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 18:28 said:
  
  Thank you Richard! Hmmm, I’m not so sure about the circular gallery, but the photos were so many different shapes that they looked a bit messy in the usual format.
  
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  - ckponderings on June 1, 2015 at 06:19 said:
    
    I can see what you mean; the circles provided the best option – it still works, though. :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on June 1, 2015 at 08:39 said:
      
      The mosaic and tiles are just too hit and miss. It’ll do every once in a while!
      
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      - ckponderings on June 1, 2015 at 17:02 said:
        
        Nothing like shaking it up every now and again! :)
        
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Mark Simms on May 31, 2015 at 15:31 said:

Great gallery…..particularly like the simplicity and symmetry (apart from the people) of the minstrel’s gallery

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 18:29 said:
  
  Thank you Mark, it was a fruitful place photographically speaking. There were so many people milling about that day!
  
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leecleland on May 31, 2015 at 22:50 said:

The circular display makes for an interesting look but the images look so much better (well there is more to them) in the rectangular format. Definitely a fascinating place.

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- mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 22:55 said:
  
  I agree with you Lee. It was an unusual assortment of rectangles and didn’t look at all tidy. I usually stick to a certain landscape shape but was beaten this time!
  
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  - leecleland on May 31, 2015 at 23:44 said:
    
    Still beaut photos :)
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on May 31, 2015 at 23:56 said:
      
      Thank you! Said like a true Aussie :)
      
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Noeline Smith on June 1, 2015 at 10:20 said:

Magnificent indeed! I particularly like the ‘Circle of lights’.

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- mikeosbornphoto on June 1, 2015 at 15:51 said:
  
  Thank you Noeline :) Yes, the pretty art deco roof lends itself to numerous uses…
  
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jdtphotography.co.uk on June 12, 2015 at 11:30 said:

A really interesting and captivating place. Mike I love the use of the circular framing to give a sneak peek into your work. The circle of lights is really captivating. Hope you have a great weekend

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- mikeosbornphoto on June 17, 2015 at 22:52 said:
  
  Thank you James. I wasn’t so convinced about the circular frames, but the regular framing looked a real mess with so many shapes and sizes of photo. Glad you liked it, though.
  
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