Photo by Jan Baldwin for World of Interiors April 2009
We told you about the wonderful Valerie Finnis some time ago here at the Women's Room when we highlighted her involvement in the book Garden People which was on our Christmas list, but we are indebted to this month's World of Interiors for bringing to our attention the fact that as well as being a great gardener and photographer, Valerie was also a great visual home decorator.
Although she came to married life late (her husband Sir David Scott was 82 when she met him and she was a sprightly spinster of 46) she and David lived a full 16 years together gardening and home-making at The Dower House to Boughton House, seat to David's cousin the Duke of Buccleuch. Our favourite pictures from the WOI photoshoot are of Valerie's study, with her inspirational photos pinned all over the walls and the bedroom that has a series of butterfly pictures juxtaposed against madly floral wallpaper.
But perhaps the reason we love her at The Women's Room is that she was a style icon for her generation. While gardening she loved to wear big, decorated hats and was usually dressed in a Liberty print blouse and a string of pearls, adding a touch of glamour to the potting shed. Her photographer's eye meant she was able to be inspirationally stylish at both house and dress.
Read the full article on Valerie in this month's World of Interiors which sadly does not have a particularly helpful online presence, you will need to buy the mag for total satisfaction.
