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Art & architecture Collection Interiors
Last two weeks to enjoy the Manor
Before the house is put to bed for our upcoming festive season, here are five objects to look out for if you're visiting us this October!
1. Crystal chandelier
The glistening chandelier in the Breakfast Room is the largest one in the house. Made of cut glass drops, it dates back to the 19th century and was originally hung in the Grey Drawing Room.
Chandelier, 19th century. (acc. no: 2221)
2. Built-in wine cooler
The marble panelling in the Ante Room was designed by Waddesdon’s architect Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur in 1883. The two marble wine cisterns you see here would have been filled with ice and used to keep bottles of white wine cool. The basins are probably 19th-century and may have been used as planters. The fountain masks are thought to be French and date from 1700-1730.
Wine cistern, c 1700-30. (acc. no. 3897.1-2)
3. Malachite Campana vase
Emperor Alexander II of Russia gave this great vase to Baron Lionel de Rothschild in 1873. It is veneered with malachite, a green mineral, and while the artist is unknown, it came from Russia pre-1873.
Malachite Vase, pre 1873. (acc. no: 100.1995)
4. King David
Only recently displayed at Waddesdon, this beautiful oil on canvas King David – Waddesdon Manor (1651) was created by Guercino, acknowledged as one of the leading Bolognese painters of the 17th century. It was originally commissioned by Gioseffo Locatelli for his palazzo in Cesena and was later owned by 1st Earl Spencer.
Guercino, King David, 1651. (acc. no: 1.2023)
5. Rothschild Treasury Centrepiece
During the 18th century, the dining room tables of the upper classes would have been decorated with lavish centrepieces such as this one. The gilt-bronze oak leaves and acorns, bacchantes and satyrs suggest that the temple may be dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine.
Possibly Luigi Valadier; Giuseppe Valadier, table centrepiece, c 1780. (acc. no: 110.1995)