Chapter 1

The Grand Tour, the original package holiday. Starting around 1660, upper class men would Travel all over Europe; visiting master works and ancient ruins. Upon returning home, travelers would bring with them souvenirs to decorate their homes. The grand tour sparked inspirations amongst architects. Patrons commissioned architects to recreate rooms and furniture they had seen during The Grand Tour. The invention of railroads in 1820 made The Grand Tour safer, easier, and more affordable. Now The Grand Tour was obtainable by the middle classes. This allowed the middle class to indulge in high cultural decor and the privilege of seeing master works.