Corven Hall

We can describe this only as a magnificent chamber, a principal state room within a significant historic residence, offering a compelling tableau of meticulous restoration and sympathetic interior design, designed to envelop visitors in an atmosphere of profound grandeur and historical resonance. We embarked upon a thoughtful renovation of this room, aiming to revive the authentic spirit and opulent aesthetic of the space, drawing inspiration from the Hall’s original Georgian/Victorian antecedents, with strong Rococo and classical influences woven into the decorative scheme.

We wanted visitor who step across the threshold, to have the immediate sensation of awe and a hushed reverence. The scale of the ornamentation, bathed in a soft, ambient lighting, instantly strikes the eye, creating an overwhelming sense of grandeur that is both imposing and deeply inviting. The gleam of gold from the intricate mouldings on the walls and ceiling is omnipresent, yet not garish. Instead, it creates a warm, enveloping glow, a testament to painstaking gilding work that speaks of dedicated craftsmanship.

The walls are rendered in a delicate, almost ethereal pale pink hue, providing a sophisticated backdrop for the room’s lavish ornamentation. Across two elevations, a consistent and highly elaborate system of gilded mouldings defines the architectural rhythm. A substantial cornice crowns the walls at the ceiling line, its intricate gold detailing drawing the eye upwards. Below this, the walls are articulated with formal panelling. On one elevation, these panels are a subtly contrasting light sage green, framed by further gilded mouldings adorned with exquisite decorative corner accents, lending a sense of ordered luxury.

Our commitment to high artistry was paramount. Dominating one wall is an immense, mural, a Baroque/Rococo masterwork by Corrado Giaquinto titled “Saints in Glory”, circa 1755, teeming with dynamic figures amidst celestial clouds. This monumental canvas is seamlessly integrated into the room’s fabric, set within a grand, gilded recess. On an adjacent wall, another equally imposing tall panel commands attention. This piece, a bespoke mural, features the “Allegory of the Music” by Jose Del Castillo, circa 1775.

The interplay of these two significant artworks demonstrates a deliberate thematic approach to achieve the room’s aesthetic.

As one begins to walk around, a slow, deliberate pace would naturally ensue, the gaze drawn upwards to the magnificent ceiling. The intricate coffered patterns and delicate gilded details would unfurl a story of unparalleled craftsmanship, perhaps evoking a sense of wonder at the artisans who created such beauty centuries ago. From this grand ceiling hangs a large, spherical, multi-armed chandelier, its metallic finish harmonising with the room’s abundant gilding, providing both illumination and an additional layer of classical grandeur.

Subtleties of our renovation extend to the architectural features and furnishings. Gilded architraves frame the large window and doorways, consistently painted. A large, French gilded mirror above an open fireplace further reflects the room’s light and opulence, completing the impression of a state room returned to its former glory.

The room whispers of past lives and grand occasions. One might effortlessly imagine elegant figures in period attire, engaged in refined conversations or dancing amidst such splendour. It serves as a powerful reminder of an era when art, architecture, and daily life were inextricably intertwined, where spaces were designed not just for function, but as profound expressions of culture, status, and beauty.

Our meticulous renovation, which has brought these features back to such vibrant life, evokes a tangible sense of a journey through time, bridging the gap between the past and the present. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship and the dedicated stewardship that allows historical integrity to be maintained and celebrated for generations to come.