Explore Fairfax: Library
Lord Fairfax's library contained volumes not only on current affairs, politics and military history, but also the writings of philosophers such as Rousseau.
A portrait of John Carr by Andrew Festing, 1984 after an original by Sir William Beechey (1753-1839) c.1785
We illustrate the room being used for Christmas morning breakfast c 1765. A large round of Cheshire cheese sits in a mahogany cradle and other foods on display relate to supplies provided to the House at that time.
The Library has been restored to its 1762 colour scheme.
All the stucco work on the ceilings was carried out by the Italian, Giuseppe Cortese, who based himself in Wakefield. In this room he introduced medallions of some literary giants, Pope, Addison, Milton and John Locke.
Above the fireplace is a portrait of the designer of the house, York architect John Carr, flanked by Chippendale bookcases and between the windows, a Gothic-style Writing Desk.
Also a handsome walnut Longcase Clock by Thomas Tompion which came from Lord Lonsdale’s house, Lowther Castle.
On the floor an unusual Turkoman Carpet woven with a face, thought to represent the revolutionary leader Kemal Ataturk.
The fireplace, with its Siena marble and Greek key pattern, is only one of two fireplaces which survived the occupation of the cinema.
The Library has been restored to its 1762 colour scheme.
All the stucco work on the ceilings was carried out by the Italian, Giuseppe Cortese, who based himself in Wakefield. In this room he introduced medallions of some literary giants, Pope, Addison, Milton and John Locke.
Above the fireplace is a portrait of the designer of the house, York architect John Carr, flanked by Chippendale bookcases and between the windows, a Gothic-style Writing Desk.
Also a handsome walnut Longcase Clock by Thomas Tompion which came from Lord Lonsdale’s house, Lowther Castle.
On the floor an unusual Turkoman Carpet woven with a face, thought to represent the revolutionary leader Kemal Ataturk.
The fireplace, with its Siena marble and Greek key pattern, is only one of two fireplaces which survived the occupation of the cinema.
MORE ABOUT the Library
Chinese Brush Pot
A Chinese Water Pot in the shape of a Carp, porcelain, (Jingdezhen), Kangxi (1662-1722).
Category: Ceramics
John Locke Panel
One of four ‘basso relievo’ medallions garnished with oak leaves and set in panels on the stucco ceiling. The names appear in the ribbons above their heads.
Category: Architectural feature
The Tompion Longcase Clock
One of the 14 clocks in this collection, this elegant month-going clock by Thomas Tompion, c.1685, with its 10 inch square dial and silvered chapter ring, is set in a handsome walnut case decorated with spiral turned columns and an elaborate cresting.
Category: Clocks & Barometers
Turkoman Carpet
This unusual Tekke Bokhara carpet, c.1900, with its predominantly octagonal and ghul patterns, has two male faces, inserted some time later, in the corners of one end.
Category: Furniture
Writing Desk
The mahogany desk, in Gothic style, is based on a design in Thomas Chippendale’s Director, 1755.
Category: Furniture
Chinese Brush PotA Chinese Water Pot in the shape of a Carp, porcelain, (Jingdezhen), Kangxi (1662-1722).
Category: Ceramics
John Locke PanelOne of four ‘basso relievo’ medallions garnished with oak leaves and set in panels on the stucco ceiling. The names appear in the ribbons above their heads.
Category: Architectural feature
The Tompion Longcase ClockOne of the 14 clocks in this collection, this elegant month-going clock by Thomas Tompion, c.1685, with its 10 inch square dial and silvered chapter ring, is set in a handsome walnut case decorated with spiral turned columns and an elaborate cresting.
Category: Clocks & Barometers
Turkoman CarpetThis unusual Tekke Bokhara carpet, c.1900, with its predominantly octagonal and ghul patterns, has two male faces, inserted some time later, in the corners of one end.
Category: Furniture
Writing DeskThe mahogany desk, in Gothic style, is based on a design in Thomas Chippendale’s Director, 1755.
Category: Furniture