Large Drawing Room
Inspired by Ambrose’s love of Asia
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
The large drawing room does not form part of the main visitor attraction but you may be lucky to catch a fleeting glimpse during your garden visit.
Affectionately referred to as the ‘Chinese room’, the Large Drawing Room is easily Mount Congreve’s most renowned room. Situated off the Blue Room, the Large Drawing room spans the full depth of the house. Its status is undoubtedly elevated by floor-to-ceiling windows, rich parquet floor, along with magnificent Waterford Crystal Chandeliers. However, what makes this room the most impressive is its hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. Read on to discover more…
THE CHINESE WALLPAPER
Between 1966 and 1969, Ambrose Congreve remodelled part of the 18th-century section of the house, including the Large Drawing room.
A unique aspect of Mount Congreve is how the Asiatic theme of the gardens is reflected throughout the House.
In this room in particular we see the great connection Ambrose had with Asia, and how it, combined with his botanical interests, is reflected through this hand-painted Chinese wallpaper.
The finer details
From the middle of the 18th-century high-value sets of wallpapers were produced in China for export to the homes of Europe’s wealthy classes. Produced in specialist workshops, principally in and around Canton/Guangzhou, Chinese wallpapers have long since been prized for the beauty of their design and colouring, the high level of draughtsmanship and painting employed, and the accuracy with which flora and fauna are depicted.
Photographs of the Mount Congreve wallpaper were sent to Emile de Bruijn, author of ‘Chinese Wallpaper in Britain and Ireland’ (Philip Wilson Publishers/National Trust 2017), the leading authority on Chinese wallpapers. Describing the wallpaper as “extraordinary!” Emile identifies the Mount Congreve wallpaper as belonging to the rare category of Chinese ‘print room’ sets which were produced in the 1780s, and of which a small number of examples survive in Europe.
Emilie suggested that the wallpaper is of very high, international significance for the following reasons:
- Not many examples of this type of wallpaper survive
- The colours are in near-original condition, providing a rare insight into the originally intended effect of such wallpapers
- It is evidence of the close interaction between the producers and the European markets, the former responding to the tastes of the latter
- It refers to an important Chinese agricultural treatise and reflects aspects of the prevalent imperial ideology (harmony, productivity, etc.)
- The technical and artistic skill of the painting is high.
FROM CHINA TO WATERFORD…
It’s remarkable that this exquisite Chinese wallpaper has found a forever home in County Waterford. It’s believed to have been purchased by Mr. Congreve while he was in London.
As the wallpaper was made in China, you’ll sometimes hear the room affectionately referred to as the Chinese room.
It’s worth noting some slight discolouration marks around the fireplace – as many have perceived these marks as damp.
However, the different colour is simply due to the fact that at one stage a different chemical was used during a restoration – which has resulted in the two different shades.
Another interesting point to note is that this hand-painted wallpaper is ‘Listed’ – due to its historical and cultural significance. You may also notice that the majority of the time the shutters are kept closed in this room, to prevent light damage.
EVENTS LIKE NO OTHER
This beautiful room which faces majestically towards the River Suir is now available to hire for events of 10 to 120 guests.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light while Waterford Crystal chandeliers and lamps bestow a grand sense of occasion.
From intimate dining to grand banqueting, black tie soirées and corporate days out – all be accommodated in this remarkable space that is both contemporary and timeless. We’ll create the ambience you desire with a host of personal and thoughtful touches to make the event one you and your guests will remember fondly. It is also a delightful space in which to enjoy a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea – a ritual that was enjoyed daily by Majorie and Ambrose Congreve.
Please note this room is available for adult-only events due to the delicate nature of the wallpaper. While the original contents of the Large Drawing Room were sold during the estate contents sale in 2012, this does not take away from the grandeur of this room, which is laid out to an exceptional standard for each event.
FIVE STAR EVENTS
