Drawing-room ceiling, the old Conservative Club by Messrs Sang and Naundorff

Drawing-room ceiling, the old Conservative Club

Sydney Smirke and George Basevi

Interior decoration by Messrs Sang and Naundorff

1843-45

St James's Street, London

Photograph and text 2008 by Jacqueline Banerjee

[You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link your document to this URL.]

Of the rooms leading off the saloon on the first floor, the drawing-room is the most impressive. This is especially because of its ceiling. David Watkin explains that it is 28 metres long and 7.6 metres high, and "has a screen of Corinthian columns at each end, carrying a frieze decorated with roses, thistles, and shamrocks. The Pompeian painted ceiling has a deep cove surrounded by a band of fruit and flowers." The capitals of two of the columns can just be seen here, along with the lavishly ornate frieze and cove. The pastels and flowery motifs would not be to everyone's taste.

Other Views

Reference

Watkin, David. "Cultured Club." bd: The Architects' Website. Viewed 9 October 2008.

Last modified 9 October 2008