News / Clifton Village
Opening a door into a different world
The pruning of an unruly vine has unveiled the full glory of a door which appears to be open at first glance.
If you’ve recently walked along one of Clifton Village’s most well-known terraces, you would be forgiven for only noticing the brightly coloured houses leading down to Hotwells.
However, on closer inspection, one of the Georgian homes features an optical illusion painted on its front door which exactly replicates its interior.
is needed now More than ever
The painting on the door features a family portrait on one wall by the staircase of the two owners, with a view out into the communal back garden behind Cornwallis Crescent.
“People always comment on the door and my daughter tells me it features on Instagram a lot,” Cathy told Bristol24/7.
“Every time I leave the house people ask about it, even the postman and parcel couriers! People say it brings a smile to their face which is lovely.”
Co-owner Cathy in front of her house on Cornwallis Crescent in Clifton Village – photo: Betty Woolerton
Cathy, who is retired and owns the house with her husband, told Bristol 24/7 the door’s meticulous and almost mathematical design was crafted by a local artist.
The drawing was then brought to life and painted by one of her friends who is an amateur artist, who added little details like the family portrait.
Although recently painted, the door has a history of being more than just an entrance.
“The people who restored the house 50 years ago wanted to paint the stonework something nice and bright, but because it is Grade II style listed, colours were restricted to a neutral palette of beige and white,” Cathy said.
“These people had an art student living with them, and thought, ‘if we can’t make the colour of the house our own, why not do so with the door?'”
The original artwork was painted over by a previous owner, but Cathy was keen to restore the door to its former ornate glory.
“We planned it last year but with lockdown and winter we only just completed it this summer. Until today, the vine has partially covered the artwork, but since being pruned it is a lot more obvious.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Brilliant Bristol doors
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