The Back Drawing Room

The back drawing room on the first floor was very much a family space and may have been the centre for more intimate gatherings. Music was an integral part of home entertainment, as were card games; although one disgruntled nineteenth century commentator dismissed these as “the eclipse of human intellect”, and complained that “the influence of those coloured pasteboards is such that all reasoning , all mind, disappears, as soon as the cards are in hand”. On such evenings the children of the family may have been involved in a measured way, perhaps playing music and participating in improving words, games or riddles with their parents and guests.

Pole Screen

Circa 1840, Irish. Screens such as these protected the ladies complexionfrom the heat of the fire.

Pool Table

Mahogany Games Table, at which Mrs. Beatty and her guests played card games. Irish, Late 18th century.

Waterford Chandelier 1790

Artificial light was expensive so its use was gauged on the need for visibility and a symbol of hospitality.

Piano

Piano by Samuel Morland Dublin, early 19th century. Inlaid with satin wood and dyes woods; also decorated with brass.

Portrait Painting

Portrait Painting of Robert Emmet, (1778-1803). Painted in 1804 by James Petrie, (1750-1819) for Sarah Curran from his death mask.