Ceiling
Category
Stone
Date
Unknown
Materials
Lime plaster, oil paint and gilding
Measurements
9.01 x 6.52 metres x 4.74metres
Order this imageCollection
Berrington Hall, Herefordshire (Accredited Museum)
On show at
Berrington Hall, Herefordshire, Midlands, National Trust
NT 618676
Summary
Drawing room ceiling The ceiling is one of the finest at Berrington and one of the most elaborate designed by Holland. In contrast to the French neo-classicism of the Entrance Hall, it recalls the more delicate style of Robert Adam. The central medallion depicts Jupiter, Cupid and Venus. The four smaller medallions feature other classical scenes: The arming of Aeneas (over fireplace), Hercules serving Queen Omphale (over windows), Venus and Adonis (over door to Marble Hall) and a Nymph crowning Cupid (over door to Boudoir). The medallions were painted in the style of Biagio Rebecca (1735-1808) The decorative plasterwork may be by William Pearce, who had worked for Holland at Claremont. Within the central circular border of wave-like Vitruvian scroll pattern, four putti harness seahorses with blue ribbons. The rectangular panels either side contain alternate medallions of boys and white stucco plaster fans within a guilloche border.
Provenance
The ceiling is contemporary with Henry Hollands original design. Architectural features both internal and external including decorative schemes and fixtures all accepted in lieu of death-duties, along with the buildings and estate, and transferred to the National Trust in 1957.