This past November, the English-Speaking Union hosted a three-day symposium celebrating British homes, gardens and families. The event featured Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, designer and author of “Classic English Interiors” and “Classic Entertaining”; and Scottish home and garden experts Lady Lucinda Shaw
Stewart and her sister Caroline Knight.
The Anglo-mania kicked off with a luncheon on Nov. 9 at the Audubon Tea Room, where Lady Spencer-Churchill lectured about her new book, “Blenheim and the Churchill Family,” and signed books. The next night was a patron party at the home of Drs. Jimmy Mains and Dian Sanders to honor Lady Spencer-Churchill, Lady Shaw Stewart and Caroline Knight. On Nov. 11, Lady Shaw Stewart and Caroline Knight lectured on 17th- and 18th century Scottish country houses and gardens at the city’s own jewel, Longue Vue House and Gardens.
The ESU has more than 74 U.S. and 55 international branches, and the New Orleans branch has been active for over 60 years, participating in the National Shakespeare Competition for high-school students by holding a local competition, and then sending the winner to compete in New York for a national-level competition. The British University Summer School scholarships also allow several local teachers to continue education in the United Kingdom. Proceeds from the symposium went towards enhancing these projects.
Cade Peeper, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and ESU president Dr. Quinn Peeper
Event co-chairs Bonnie and John Boyd with Rosemonde Capomazza
Event co-chairs Gay LeBreton and Anne Williams
Tommy Westervelt, Karolyn Westervelt and Lady Lucinda Shaw Stewart