One of Britain's leading interior design firms was founded by Lady Sybil Colefax and John Fowler just before the outbreak of World War II. John Fowler was later to become the doyen of the world of design, creating the style known throughout the world as English country. His clients included members of the aristocracy and such well-known people as the Laurence Oliviers, the Michael Redgraves and the American Mrs Paul Mellon. In later years, Fowler worked closely with the National Trust in restoring their properties.
