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OPULENT: In gold and silver.
There's no palace like home!
2/ 2/2006
LOUIS XIV's Palace of Versailles - or one of the great stately homes of England?
No, this majestic splendour is the creation of pensioner Dennis Nelems, who has dedicated the last six years to the painstaking recreation of 15th-century artwork in his retirement flat.
The self-taught cabinet maker embarked on his hobby in the 1960s. Now, four decades and three homes later, Mr Nelems, 65, shows off his master creation at his home in Cleveleys.
"I can't stand beige carpets and magnolia walls," he said.
"I have always been interested in baroque and Renaissance art, and couldn't bear to be idle when I retired. This has become second nature to me now."
Dennis has added pillars, cornices and gilded frames to the lounge and hallway. He models his designs in clay, then makes latex moulds which are filled with plaster.
Wife Norma, 62, said: "I had no idea he would do something like this. He just said he was going to do some decorating. I love it - I wouldn't have it any other way."
CLICK here to see around the rest of Dennis and Norma's palace!
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2/02/2006 at 12:06
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2/02/2006 at 15:21
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