A detail of John Fowler's paint scheme for the Circular Closet, Syon House. Photo: THE INSPIRATION OF THE PAST. One of the great 20th century colorists was legendary decorator John Fowler of Colefax and Fowler. Especially after World War II, he bought many of England's Stately Houses back to life with fresh decorating schemes. Often that meant raiding the attics for forgotten furnishings, and dyeing old damask table cloths and blankets to make new curtains. But perhaps most of all, we should…