Seminar: Visual Culture Studies: Fonthill Castle

I visited Fontill Castle in Doylestown, PA designed and built by Henry Chapman. The interior walls and vaulted ceilings were covered with tile ornamentation in "Gaudi-esque" style embellishment. It was a feast for the eyes. The tiles and building were designed by Chapman. His Arts and Crafts style is evident everywhere in the building, but his influence also evident in Bucks County. I have been in several homes in Bucks County that had Chapman tiles especially built in over the fireplace. It must have been lovely to live in that castle as a residence. I felt as if I was in a different country walking around the building and grounds. They didn't allow photographs inside. The 1st and last photos are from the website, the 2nd - 4th photos are mine. Nick (husband) distracted the guide while I snapped a few pics (photos 3 & 4 below) without a flash....(i hope she doesn't read this blog!)

From the Museum info:
Built between 1908-1912, Fonthill was the home of Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930). Archaeologist, anthropologist, ceramist, scholar and antiquarian, Mercer built Fonthill both as his home and as a showplace for his collection of tiles and prints.

The website has information about how to research the collections. Here are the links:
Fonthill Castle
Fonthill Castle Collections and Research