This carved panel depicting Alexander the Great is set into the wall of the North Hall. It really shouldn't be here - when the Temple Grenville family had to sell off their house contents to meet overwhelming debts, this piece was purchased. But the purchaser could not figure how to remove it from the wall without destroying it, so here it stays. |
The centrepiece of any visit to Stowe House is the Marble Saloon. This elliptical chamber is quite simply stunning. In this view the open door leads to a series of chambers overlooking the south vista created by Capability Brown. |
Another view of the Marble Saloon. Here you can glimpse the extraordinary frieze and dome that tops the saloon. |
The dome of the Marble Saloon. Since the saloon is not round, but elliptical, each panel has to be slightly elongated. |
Another view of the panels that make up the dome of the Marble Saloon. At the bottom of the photo you can make out the classical frieze which runs all the way around the chamber. |
Detail of the frieze that runs around the dome of the Marble Saloon. The figures are only slightly smaller than life size. The carving is exquisitely done. A walkway (not open to visitos) is set just below the base of the frieze. |
An one final view of the Marble Saloon. The columns are not solid marble. |
From the entry hall visitors pass along a corridor leading to the Library entrance. |
Ornate gilded ceiling of the Blue Room (circa 1774). This chamber is used as a small drawing room. |
The interior of the Library |
The Music Room, or State Music Room. This chamber was designed by Valdre and finished in the early 1780s. The doors flanking the piano are false. The columns are scagliola (false marble). |
Detail of the wall decoration of the Music Room. the decorative elements are believed top be by Valdre, and depict a variety of arabesques and grotesques. |
