'I would not exceed the limits of expense that I have always set myself. Let us do everything properly and well, mais pas trop.' So said Edwin Lascelles to Robert Adam, when he commissioned the renowned interior architect to design his new, grand mansion in 1759. More than 250 years of history and huge wealth (made on the backs of slaves in the Caribbean sugar plantations) mean that the interior of Harewood House is as lavish and opulent as they come. The results are certainly trop - too much - in my eyes, but I can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship nevertheless.
The interior tour begins in the Music Room (above), with a glorious Adam ceiling, a lush chandelier and some incredible works of art around the walls. We progress on to the State Dining Room, full of Chippendale furniture (again, no expense spared) and portraits of Lascelles family members, some very old and some more contemporary. This room is still used for dinners and private functions. It was extensively remodelled by Sir Charles Barry in the 1840s; the original Adam fireplace and ceiling ripped out!
The Adam ceiling in the Gallery - the largest room in the house - is quite magnificent (and impossible to photograph as a whole without a specialist technique. My photo shows just a small section.) More photos can be seen on the Harewood House website HERE.
The Main Library is rather cosily arranged, with huge mahogany bookcases designed by Sir Charles Barry but retaining the lovely Adam plasterwork. I could quite happily have settled here or in the adjoining Spanish Library to explore the rather wonderful old books - some Italian art books were dated 1598! Or how about 'The History of the Fan' or a complete set of back copies of Punch magazine, to keep you amused.
Because of Covid, some of the narrower passageways and smaller rooms in the house have had to be closed so that social distancing can be maintained. Even so, you get a good idea of how the landed gentry lived in past centuries. For all the grandeur, I often find I notice and prefer the more modest artefacts, like this charming bust of a young girl:
I do especially like the bookcase.
ReplyDeleteOpulent indeed!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Magnificent!
ReplyDeleteHow very lovely, and I wonder if I could even live in such surroundings. The basics of life are still followed somewhat, but then all the pomp requires a lot of organization of care, I think.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, the current Earl and his family - rather sensibly - actually live in a much smaller property on the Estate, which no doubt is considerably cosier and more comfortable. But the main house is still used for functions.
DeleteWow!
ReplyDelete