For more than 25 years, our founder, James Perkins has followed in the footsteps of the grand tourists of the 18th and 19th Centuries, venturing to contemporary creative centres and antique lands to accumulate a collection of fine art and modern design, unrivalled in the UK.
James gathered classical plaster and architectural master pieces, along with traditional taxidermy and objects d’art of a more eccentric bent.
In 2005, he acquired and restored the perfect stage for his pieces: Aynhoe Park. One of many acclaimed restoration projects of notable houses across the UK.
James and Sophie Perkins are renowned for creating the otherworldly interiors of the 17th century Palladian house, Aynhoe Park.
Much of the character came from its one-of-a-kind collection of art and taxidermy, inspired by a combination of appreciation for classical artwork and sculpture, a love of innovation design and a very British sort of eccentricity.
Under the title A Modern Grand Tour, James and Sophie curate a constantly evolving collection of fine art, antiques, and designing exclusive homeware, inviting you to embark on your own grand tour.
In 2012 curator became creator and in James set up his studio. Transcending everyday collecting, the James Perkins Studio crafts extraordinary works of art. Drawing on a finely tuned vernacular of classical references, cut through with a surreal sense of humor, the work of the studio mirrors the juxtaposition of aesthetics unique to his style.
Many of James Perkins' works have become instantly recognisable icons of A Modern Grand Tour's identity: a 10ft Hercules resting at the foot of the Soane stairs, an oversized pocket watch hanging from his neck holding a gilded balloon; the notorious Aynhoe giraffe, lifted to the heavens by a cluster of glass balloons; the oil on canvas Aynhoe Moon painting and home of the Feather Lamp adorned in hand dyed ostrich feathers in numerous plumes