Hello Holly,
This is a description of the Hall from 1883, I don’t know if it is of use to you or not.
I have not had time to copy the Architect’s drawing yet but will do as soon as I can.
R. S-S
Errwood Hall, for such is its name, is a modernised building of dressed stone, with rooms of considerable size and number. In the centre there is a noble tower, underneath which is the main entrance to the elegant structure, reached from the ground by a fine flight of steps. On the right side of the Hall are fitted up the various offices required by the servants, and also the stables, coach house, and other outbuildings necessary. On the left side are the lawn and the terraces. In the centre of the neatly laid out frontage is a very fine laver, with a fountain springing up from an artificially constructed basin. A number of carefully laid out flower beds, with their gaily blooming flowers, contesting with the sombre hue of the green mossy rocks on the right side, and the variegated trees on the other, with the noble archway in front, make up a very pleasing sight. On the entrance arch to the terraces are the crest and monogram of the family inhabiting the hall, namely Samuel Grimshawe, Esq., J.P., a venerable gentleman, who, prior to his death, made this abode his country seat. The terraces rise in easy ascents to the beautiful romantic walks on the high hill, situated upon a declivity of which the entire buildings rest, securely sheltered from the fierce winds which sweep over the heights around.
Internally this mansion is most magnificently furnished, not only with most of the modern luxuries which wealth can command, but also with many rare and costly works of art, the production of foreign continental lands, more especially Italy, whose holy city, magnificent Rome, has been brought under good contribution to provide some of the marvellous paintings, or splendid marble, which adorn the walls of this palatial home. By the kindness of the benevolent owner we are able to give a few items respecting some of the most noteworthy rooms, and their appointments. Attached to the hall, and, in fact, forming part of the building, is a very handsome room, fitted up as a chapel, for the use of the family and servants, and the few inhabitants of the neighbouring farmsteads and cottages to celebrate divine service. The room is very comfortably furnished and well lighted; and has two altars, the largest of which has a neatly-formed chancel or communion attached to it for the use of the officiating priest and his attendants to stand and celebrate mass or other services. There is a beautifully constructed canopy over the altar, with its splendid cross and other things; when lighted by the numerous wax lights it has a splendid appearance. There are on the second altar some elaborate things useful for ornament or use in the services. Some splendidly executed figures of the Madonna, an altar piece, "Ecce Homo," by Guido ; Madonna of San Luca, and one by Simone Memmi, celebrated old masters. There is also an original portrait of the blessed BenedictJoseph Labee, by Cavallucci, and some other oil paintings. Both altars, and the entire fittings and furniture of this room, are worthy of the noble owners of the hall. An air of ease and elegance seems to be enjoyed, as well as a spirit of devotion seems to hover about the place. Passing into the various staircases we find the walls adorned with extremely well executed and fresh looking medallions, and scenes in history depicted in exquisitely worked white Elgin and other marbles. The blue room and the drab room are, with a few others, mainly utilised as bed rooms, and are furnished with very artistic bedsteads, cabinets, and other appointments, with some elaborate tapestry or silken work. The upstairs library which is superbly furnished and contains some very fine volumes, perhaps some of the oldest books extant. The reception room, leading from the floor of the building, is furnished in the most luxurious manner. Within a splendid frame are some remarkable fine photographs of one of the Queens of Spain and her daughters, presented to the Grimshaw family. A splendid gilded gold framed state chair, with a seat and back of the finest embroidery, worked in a beautiful pattern, and a grand sofa, with embroidery and other elaborate sittings to match with the chair, are objects well worthy of notice. There is also a number of elaborately made stands and cabinets, A splendid chest of black ebony, with panels of tortoise shell, is well constructed with a number of drawers, and stands upon a gilded carved table. A fine ivory carving, a number of oil paintings, some old pottery, and a variety of elaborate ornaments, may also be seen in rich profusion. The roof is also a work of art seldom noticed; it is flowered and figured, and laid out in a pattern carpet fashion, the various tints and shades of colour being visible at every point. The splendid sunshades of the windows also contrast favourably with the furniture. The fire place and mantel shelf are also works of skill, the former being of elaborately printed porcelain pottery. No ordinary amount of skill seems to have been lavished in order to make everything contrast agreeably, and none but artists of the most skilful hands could have done the work; the same may be said of the decorations of all the rooms.
The large drawing-room has a splendid appearance, the brilliant colours of the showy flowers which adorn the ceiling, which is also elaborately wrought into a huge picture, forms a pleasing contrast in harmony with the rich fittings of the room. In the centre of this noble apartment is a most conspicuous object, a very finely inlaid marble table, formed of hundreds of small pieces of variegated stones, placed in circles within circles, and beautifully polished upon its capacious surface. It is of the most exquisite workmanship, and standing upon an elegant support of grey stone, presents a truly magnificent appearance. It has been brought from Rome. There are also some fine old china vases, some antique furniture, the seats, chairs, and ottomans being covered with crimson velvet gold braided, with the extremely well-fitted and rich damask curtains, and the large mirrors fitted between the three large windows, reaching from the ceiling to the floor, form an aspect not often seen in such places. Some splendid oil paintings adorn the walls, and amongst these we may notice the following: -- In a gilded frame, and in old Spanish tapestry work, is a finely-executed picture of St. Francis from the collection of the Brazilian Minister in Rome ; a fine portrait of Pope Innocent, by Velasquez ; portrait of "Catherine, Queen of Cyprus," by H. Moro ; "St. Mary Magdalene," by Guido "Justice and Peace," by Battoni ; marble statue of the Immaculate Conception (the woman shown with her foot on the serpent's head), by Benzoni. Several other valuable works of art also grace the room.
The downstairs library is well worthy of notice, containing as it does some thousands of volumes of the rarest and most costly productions of the press. The roof is beautifully coloured and adorned with a splendid floral pattern in bright tints, with flowered corners, and a neat border to match ; there is also emblazoned on the ceiling in panel fashion the arms and crest of the family, which is a splendid piece of decorative art. Two of the most conspicuous objects are a fine portrait of a Spanish lady by Velasquez, and a most exquisitely worked marble bust of Pope Pius IX, by Benzoni; every feature in the face of His Holiness seems to have been drawn out with life-like effect.
The dining-room is also a spacious apartment, and besides being admirably furnished with a very capacious dining table and other furniture to match, has a splendidly adorned roof, and possesses some rare old oil paintings, amongst which are a portrait of one of the Leane family, by Michael Angelo Correggio ; large landscape and sea piece, by William Vandervile ; portrait of Pope Gregory the Great, by Titian ; two landscapes, by Rosa de Tivoli ; two views of Venice (Canaletto) ; Adoration of the Magi, by Pietro di Cortona. The Basso Relievi (to be seen) embrace admirable representations of various subjects, amongst which are The Triumph of Alexandra from Thorwaldsen ; panathenaic procession, from the Elgin marbles ; and others from Thorwaldsen and Flaxman are well worthy the admiration with which they are viewed.
