Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > British Library
The British Valhalla -- Spensers Faerie Queene
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The British Valhalla -- Spensers Faerie Queene
The British Valhalla -- Spensers Faerie Queene, a suggestion for the scheme to decorate the newly built Houses of Parliament with frescoes. Date: 1845
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23214570
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1845 Arts Decorate Faerie Fresco Frescoes Medievalism Parliament Poetic Poetry Queene Scheme Spenser Valhalla Visual Westminster
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> House Mouse
> Arts
> Art Movements
> Medieval Art
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of Westminster
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Library
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
The British Valhalla -- Spenser's Faerie Queene: A Proposed Scheme for Decorating the Newly Built Houses of Parliament with Frescoes (1845) During the mid-19th century, as the Houses of Parliament in London were undergoing a significant expansion and renovation, the idea of adorning its walls with artistic masterpieces was not an unfamiliar concept. One such proposal came from the renowned English poet, Edward FitzGerald, who suggested a scheme based on Edmund Spenser's epic poem, "The Faerie Queene." Spenser's magnum opus, published between 1590 and 1596, was a poetic exploration of medieval chivalry, morality, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, whom Spenser celebrated as the 'Faerie Queene.' FitzGerald believed that the poem's themes and imagery would make an ideal motif for the decorative frescoes of the newly built Houses of Parliament. The proposed design, titled "The British Valhalla," would have featured a series of frescoes depicting scenes from Spenser's poem, with Queen Elizabeth I portrayed as the central figure, embodying the Faerie Queene. The scheme would have paid homage to the rich literary and artistic heritage of England while also emphasizing the connection between the monarchy, poetry, and the nation's history. This vision of decorating the Houses of Parliament with Spenser's Faerie Queene was a testament to the enduring influence of medievalism in Victorian England. The idea, however, did not come to fruition, and the walls of the Houses of Parliament were ultimately adorned with other decorative schemes. Nevertheless, the proposal remains an intriguing glimpse into the artistic and literary aspirations of the time.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
