Published to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Williamsburg. The period interiors contextualise the treasures and provide ideas for home decoration. Include pull-out text boxes which provide insight into art and decoration techniques.

To vists Colonial Williamsburg, the restored former capital of the Britsih Colony of Virginia, is to step back into one of the most important periods of American history. The move for indepedence from Britain during this period was gaining ground amongst American patriots and philosophers, many of whom were connected with the city. The collections of Colonial Williamburg chart the development of hte American artistic taste from the 17th to the nineteenth century. They provide a vital insight into the lives of those connected with Williamsburg, and with ordinary people who lived and worked in America. Looking at 200 of Williamsburg's most significant treasures, much of this book explores key decorative elements via extended commentaries with accompanying illustrations. Each chapter opens with a colour illustration in which treasures are presented in the form of a tableau. The latter provides valuable insights into key decorative elements, definitions of technical terms, and a wealth of background information.