This impressive neo-classical mansion was originally a Tudor house built in the 1570s by Sir Thomas Gresham. It was acquired by wealthy banker Sir Francis Child in 1713 - the perfect symbol of his status and prosperity. His grandson, also called Francis, engaged Robert Adam from 1761 to remodel and transform Osterley into the ‘palace of palaces’ that you see today.
Osterley's interior is one of the finest and most complete by Robert Adam still in existence, full of delicate decorations, friezes and furniture designed by Adam specifically for each setting.
Entrance Hall
Adam had demolished the east side of the building and replaced it with the transparent portico you see today, so he relocated the Entrance Hall further back across the courtyard. With influences of ancient Greece and Rome and a soft colour scheme of French grey and white, this room would have been used for large dinners, parties and balls, as well as an extravagant welcome to guests.