Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson 14th Baron Berners (1884-1950)
Born September 18th 1883, in Apley Hall, Bridgenorth, Shropshire
Died April 19th 1950,Faringdon House, Berkshire
14th Baron Berners, succeeded his uncle to the barony, originally created in 1455, in 1918.
Extract from The peerage (pdf)
Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, 14th Baron Berners, inherited his title in 1918 and went on to win fame as a composer, writer, painter and lovable eccentric. After schooling at Eton he worked abroad for ten years becoming attached to British Embassies in Constantinople, Rome and Paris, where he left to devote his time to musical composition.
Berners had an inspirational effect on creative people. In 1926 he met the young Rex Whistler who was studying painting in Rome. He introduced Rex to the finest things Italy had to offer - food and wine as well as scenery, Art and architecture
In 1930, when his mother died, at the age of 46 this sophisticated individualist came to live at Faringdon House. He was an accomplished writer, painter and composer.
Stravinsky called him the best British composer of the twentieth century and Diaghilev commissioned him to compose the score for the Triumph of Neptune. Berners made Faringdon House the centre of a glittering social circle, entertaining some of the most diverse, creative and influential people during the 1920s and 30s. His typical weekend guest list could have included any one or all of the following: Aldous Huxley, HG Wells, Salvador Dali, Gertrude Stein, Edith Sitwell, Nancy Mitford, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Diana Mosley, Cecil Beaton, Evelyn Waugh, Duff Coopers, John & Penelope Betjeman, Elsa Schiaparelli…
Berners’ themed parties were legendary.
Lord Berners bought the Folly woodland, and then to tease the local people built the Folly Tower. In 1935, Robert Heber-Percy, Lord Berners companion, was given the Folly Tower as a birthday present.
Died April 19th 1950,Faringdon House, Berkshire
14th Baron Berners, succeeded his uncle to the barony, originally created in 1455, in 1918.
Extract from The peerage (pdf)
Gerald Hugh Tyrwhitt-Wilson, 14th Baron Berners, inherited his title in 1918 and went on to win fame as a composer, writer, painter and lovable eccentric. After schooling at Eton he worked abroad for ten years becoming attached to British Embassies in Constantinople, Rome and Paris, where he left to devote his time to musical composition.
Berners had an inspirational effect on creative people. In 1926 he met the young Rex Whistler who was studying painting in Rome. He introduced Rex to the finest things Italy had to offer - food and wine as well as scenery, Art and architecture
In 1930, when his mother died, at the age of 46 this sophisticated individualist came to live at Faringdon House. He was an accomplished writer, painter and composer.
Stravinsky called him the best British composer of the twentieth century and Diaghilev commissioned him to compose the score for the Triumph of Neptune. Berners made Faringdon House the centre of a glittering social circle, entertaining some of the most diverse, creative and influential people during the 1920s and 30s. His typical weekend guest list could have included any one or all of the following: Aldous Huxley, HG Wells, Salvador Dali, Gertrude Stein, Edith Sitwell, Nancy Mitford, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, Diana Mosley, Cecil Beaton, Evelyn Waugh, Duff Coopers, John & Penelope Betjeman, Elsa Schiaparelli…
Berners’ themed parties were legendary.
Lord Berners bought the Folly woodland, and then to tease the local people built the Folly Tower. In 1935, Robert Heber-Percy, Lord Berners companion, was given the Folly Tower as a birthday present.
Opening of the Folly Tower 1935. Lord Berners and Elsa Schiaparelli
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Folly Tower Opening The Tatler Nov 1935
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More information:
Pink pigeons & blue mayonnaise (pdf) Joseph Epstein Curiousities, Grotesqueries, & Strange Customs (pdf) 14th Lord Berners and his family (pdf) Chris France Life of Lord Berners (pdf) Telegraph 1998 Faringdon House (pdf) Telegraph 2001 Berners poetry, sayings and jokes Buscot Park Frescoes Roger Vlitos More information on wikipedia Berners Trust Faringdon Appreciation of Berners (FAB) Pink Pigeons Trust 
Moti the horse at tea
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