“Boudoir. 1er. Et.” Mounted photograph of the Boudoir (now the Baillie Room), showing Rateau’s original decorative scheme (now lost). Numbered 31/22. Photo stamped A. A. Rateau, 17 Quai Conti, Paris VI, Tel. Danton 85 81.
The Boudoir was Rateau’s most elaborate interior at Leeds Castle, with ornate furniture, swagged curtains and walls covered in large plate-glass mirrors and frescoes. This striking decorative scheme was lost when the room was converted into a bedroom for Lady Baillie’s son, Gawaine.
The photographs in series PH15 were formerly part of an album presented by Rateau to Olive Wilson Filmer on 10 May 1930 to mark the end of his work at Leeds Castle. Notes in the Leeds Castle archive catalogue indicate that there were originally two albums, which over time were broken up and the contents mixed up or dispersed.
