The Brocket Hall Aubussons

An exceptional set of three Aubusson carpets, 

French, c. 1825.

Provenance:  The late First Lord Brocket,

Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

17ft  2in   x  13ft  3in   :   524cm  x  404cm  (a pair)

23ft  7in   x  17ft  7in   :   719cm  x  536cm

The light brown field covered with bold scrolling acanthus issuing rosettes and linked by large acanthus leaf vases having a floral arrangement, with a delicate floral wreath enclosing an ivory medallion containing a floral bouquet centerpiece.

The architect for Brocket Hall, James Paine, left this rare masterpiece, The Ballroom or Saloon which furnished by the flamboyant first Lord Melbourne to entertain royalty and was one of the most important rooms in England, having the finest collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture in the country, adorned with ceiling paintings by Sir Francis Wheatley, the ballroom cost half the price of the whole house when it was built in 1760. The Prime Minister's dining table is said to be the second oldest and longest in England, the first being at Windsor Castle. This table will seat a maximum of 54 guests. It was in this very room that Lady Caroline Lamb introduced the Waltz to England. The Prince Regent, later King George IV had a bedroom especially for him and Queen Victoria was a regular visitor.