The 'Red Room' Georgian Parlour
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On the West of the hall is a medium sized, red walled
room. The ceiling is decorated with a collage of brightly painted,
muli-coloured greenery surrounding numerous molded Clifton
Family crests. Many of the crests clearly show the Red Hand Of
Ulster, the symbol the Clifton's incorporated into thier heraldry after
purchasing the tiitle of 'Baronet', from James I. |
Although the room lacks the sheer size and power of the Octogan
Hall, the Red Room decor isn't in the distance and can be viewed more
intimately. The work dates back to the mid-nineteenth century
and only shows moderate signs of age. Some of the subtle colours
have faded and a few cracks have started to splinter around the circular,
gold-painted collection of emblems at each corner of the ceiling.
In an ideal world it could use restoration attention. The emblems
are all unique and the oak leaf brush strokes have a gentle water-colour
look to them. The over-all effect of the essentially symmetrical
room is quite striking. The sharp contrast of soft colours reminds
me of a smooth, classy wedding cake. As with my photos of the Octagon
Hall, light was a problem and the pictures appear a little yellow
and grubby looking. |
