Explore Fairfax:Saloon
The Saloon is hung with red cotton Damask, the colour scheme used by the family 1762. In 1765, however, this was changed to 'sky blue'.
Fireplace in Siena and Statuary marble
The mid-eighteenth furniture is of the highest quality and includes pieces from the workshops of Chippendale, Gordon & Tait and Ince & Mayhew.
Above the fireplace is The Nollekens Conversation Piece by Joseph Nollekens, dated 1740, showing the Tylney family in the Saloon at Wanstead House (demolished 1822). Recent research has determined the whereabouts of the furniture, the carpet and the painting of Pandora, featured in the composition.
In our own Saloon, the stage is set for a Tea Party, the elaborate tray top table laid with a Chinese export teaset and in attendance, is a silver kettle mahogany stand.
Music was an important part of 18th century 'Polite Society', a Musical Score featured in the ceiling and a Square Piano by York maker, Thomas Haxsby, provide the basis for elegant entertainment at Fairfax House.
In 1762 the room was decorated in a crimson colour scheme and this has been recreated on the walls and furniture, using a cotton Damask provided by Gainsborough Silks.
In the 20thC the saloon and the adjoining rooms, formed part of the St. Georges ballroom and operated as a dancing school as recently as 1980. Fireplaces on the first floor had been removed, but this replacement in Siena and Statuary marble is similar to the original, except that the centre tablet had the figure of Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a pool of water.
Above the fireplace is The Nollekens Conversation Piece by Joseph Nollekens, dated 1740, showing the Tylney family in the Saloon at Wanstead House (demolished 1822). Recent research has determined the whereabouts of the furniture, the carpet and the painting of Pandora, featured in the composition.
In our own Saloon, the stage is set for a Tea Party, the elaborate tray top table laid with a Chinese export teaset and in attendance, is a silver kettle mahogany stand.
Music was an important part of 18th century 'Polite Society', a Musical Score featured in the ceiling and a Square Piano by York maker, Thomas Haxsby, provide the basis for elegant entertainment at Fairfax House.
In 1762 the room was decorated in a crimson colour scheme and this has been recreated on the walls and furniture, using a cotton Damask provided by Gainsborough Silks.
In the 20thC the saloon and the adjoining rooms, formed part of the St. Georges ballroom and operated as a dancing school as recently as 1980. Fireplaces on the first floor had been removed, but this replacement in Siena and Statuary marble is similar to the original, except that the centre tablet had the figure of Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a pool of water.
MORE ABOUT the Saloon
Chinese Dragon Dish
The dragon, symbol of the temporal power in Chinese culture chases the flaming pearlwhich is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment.
Category: Ceramics
Chinese famille verte vase
Category: Ceramics
Musical Score
Set within the Saloon ceiling is a manuscript of music dedicated to 'Belinda & Amelia'. Research by Barbara Peel in the British Library unearthed the score and words published in the Universal Magazine for Dec. 1758.
Category: Architectural feature
Square Piano
A mahogany and satinwood piano made in York by Thomas Haxby, numbered 325 and dated May 1792.
Category: Furniture
Tea Party Table Setting
Consumption of tea, coffee and chocolate was a significant social activity in the Fairfax household and the table is laid with a mid-eighteenth century Chinese 'Nakin' tea set and a silver kettle and coffee pot.
Category: Miscellaneous
The Nollekens Conversation Piece
A highly important group portrait of the Tylney family gathered together in the Saloon of Wanstead House (demolished 1822).
Category: Paintings
Chinese Dragon DishThe dragon, symbol of the temporal power in Chinese culture chases the flaming pearlwhich is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment.
Category: Ceramics
Chinese famille verte vaseCategory: Ceramics
Musical ScoreSet within the Saloon ceiling is a manuscript of music dedicated to 'Belinda & Amelia'. Research by Barbara Peel in the British Library unearthed the score and words published in the Universal Magazine for Dec. 1758.
Category: Architectural feature
Square PianoA mahogany and satinwood piano made in York by Thomas Haxby, numbered 325 and dated May 1792.
Category: Furniture
Tea Party Table SettingConsumption of tea, coffee and chocolate was a significant social activity in the Fairfax household and the table is laid with a mid-eighteenth century Chinese 'Nakin' tea set and a silver kettle and coffee pot.
Category: Miscellaneous
The Nollekens Conversation PieceA highly important group portrait of the Tylney family gathered together in the Saloon of Wanstead House (demolished 1822).
Category: Paintings