Carlton House

The Prince’s apartments were in a constant state of evolution, with continuous rebuilding and redecoration in progress, in which the Regent took a personal interest. There was a drive towards ‘harmonisation’ of the décor – the colour of the walls was complemented by carefully chosen porcelain vases and newly upholstered furniture. Pictures were frequently rearranged to enhance a new scheme. The visual records of the interiors left by Charles Wild’s watercolours, undertaken between 1816 and 1819, offer just one snap-shot of these transformations.

Once George IV succeeded to the throne, he lost interest in Carlton House, turning his attentions instead to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Many of the contents, including the architectural features, were stripped out and moved to other royal palaces. In 1827 Carlton House was demolished.