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Purpose

Alternative preliminary design and design, record drawing and finished drawing for a ceiling for the second drawing room, 1775 (4)

Notes

As Tait notes, the second drawing room and the music room were probably conceived by Adam as one space, but divided into large and small areas.

The intricate ceiling Adam designed for the space survives in situ, along with the elaborate marble chimneypiece with its porcelain inserts. Unfortunately the overmantel mirror does not survive, but elements of applique ormolu ornamentation have been preserved, which Hussey and Oswald suggest were supplied by Matthew Boulton. The cut glass chandeliers also date from this period.

Harris notes the preliminary plan which indicates a screened arch at the south end of the room, which she compares to the interiors for the library at Kenwood. The arch of the screen does not survive and at a later date the columns were moved and raised up with pedestals.

King highlights plasterwork dating from a later period and questions whether the decorative mahogany panelling is original. The panelling matches the doors, suggesting it is part of the intended scheme, however it is unusual for an Adam design.

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Contents of Alternative preliminary design and design, record drawing and finished drawing for a ceiling for the second drawing room, 1775 (4)