"Television programmes that encourage spending on redecoration and home 'make-overs' are all very well, " he said.

BBC: Welsh houses are 'crumbling'

They have kept it in sparkling condition, and primped some slightly down-at-heel rooms with subtle redecoration.

ECONOMIST: The nicest house in London

Though his lavish office redecoration hardly endeared him to the public, he is still well-regarded on Wall Street.

ECONOMIST: They used to walk on water. Now they are back from the dead

Although the opulent redecoration of its principal rooms, begun in the early 1990s, seemed fine to him at the time, much of it does not now.

ECONOMIST: London's National Gallery

Redecoration will come, as will the restoration of natural light.

ECONOMIST: London's National Gallery

By exploiting their formidable connections to the artist and patron community, these women were able to help pay for extensive redecoration projects (including the U.S. Embassy's residence in London), fund much-needed restoration, and both purchase and solicit donations for embassies from preeminent artists to build what would become an enduring, important collection.

WSJ: Sending American Artwork Abroad