In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
In 1772 the celebrated writer, Arthur Young, said of Spencer House: ‘I know not a more beautiful piece of architecture… All in richness, elegance, and taste, superior to any house I have seen’.
Chequered Chairs
Many visitors are surprised when they first enter the Music Room and see the bold blue-and-white check pattern used to upholster the seat furniture. While it may look anachronistic, this style is actually a reference to a common feature of mid-eighteenth-century-interiors. Chairs upholstered with fine fabrics were provided with separate protective covers for everyday use, usually in a striped or checked linen. These covers were then removed when company was expected, showing off the grander material underneath. Nonetheless, many well-to-do people were happy to be depicted sat on chairs with their humble covers still in place, as in this informal group portrait of Lt. Col. George Thomson and his family by John Hamilton Mortimer.
Images © Jarrold Publishing/Spencer House; John Hamilton Mortimer, George Thomson, his Wife and (?) his Sister-in-Law, c.1766-8, Tate (N06158),
digital image © Tate released under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND (3.0 Unported)
