Design for the library, c1775, as executed (1)

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Robert and James Adam office drawings
- Town houses
  - London
    - Home House, Portman Square, number 17 (now 20), London, for the Countess of Home, 1775-78 (73)

Purpose

Design for the library, c1775, as executed (1)

Notes

Positioned to the rear of the ground floor there is a library which is square in form. The space is more intimate in design and could be entered from the stairwell. Here Harris notes the survival on another Wyatt ceiling, albeit considerably altered by Adam. Adam inserts twelve portrait medallions of modern greats, which include Sir Francis Drake, Sir Isaac Newton, and even one of Robert Adam himself.

There survives a carved chimneypiece ornamented with mathematical and scientific instruments, alongside the Home coat of arms.

Adam introduces plasterwork elements to the space alongside the overmantel which contains a painted piece signed by Antonio Zucchi and dated to 1776. The painting is a representative history, with portraits of King Alfred and Queen Elizabeth I.

Level

Group

Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation

If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk

Contents of Design for the library, c1775, as executed (1)

[18] Design for the library, c1775, as executed