Decorating the godly household

Decorating the godly household

By Tara Hamling

Book Description

Discover how faith transformed the very walls and furnishings of English and Scottish homes during one of history's most spiritually vibrant periods. Tara Hamling unveils a remarkable chapter in domestic religious practice, exploring how devout families between 1560 and 1660 created sacred spaces within their everyday living environments.

Through meticulous examination of surviving houses across Britain, this richly illustrated study reveals how prosperous households integrated religious imagery into their daily surroundings. From elaborate wall paintings and intricate plasterwork to carved wooden details and devotional objects, these homes became canvases for spiritual expression and contemplation.

Hamling demonstrates how different rooms served distinct spiritual purposes, with religious artwork carefully positioned to support prayer, meditation, and family worship. The book brings together visual evidence with period writings, allowing readers to understand how these sacred decorations spoke to their original inhabitants and guided their spiritual practices.

For modern readers seeking to understand how faith can permeate domestic life, this scholarly yet accessible work offers profound insights into creating meaningful sacred spaces. The extensive illustrations showcase stunning examples of devotional art that transformed ordinary homes into environments where spiritual growth could flourish naturally within the rhythms of daily life.

This exploration of "godly households" provides both historical understanding and timeless inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, art, and domestic spirituality.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 348 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Religious life and customs
  • ✓ Explore Home
  • ✓ Explore Religious aspects
  • ✓ Explore Art in interior decoration
  • ✓ Explore Social life and customs
  • ✓ Explore Christian art and symbolism
  • ✓ Explore Protestants
  • ✓ Explore Christianity

Topics Covered

Religious life and customs Home Religious aspects Art in interior decoration Social life and customs Christian art and symbolism Protestants Christianity Architectural Decoration and ornament Art, british

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