The Opening of the Saloon

For many months the Trust’s contractors have been reinstating floor and roof structures within the volume that contains the Saloon. When the mansion was built in the 1750s this first floor room was the principal reception room - overlooking the gardens. It this respect it was typical of most Palladian mansions. Within this room, concerts, balls, receptions and even plays were held.

The restoration of Copped Hall is all work in progress and the Saloon is no exception. We have completed just enough work to enable the room to be used. Joinery and plasterwork will all come later when all the other volumes in the mansion have been floored and roofed.

The Saloon was opened on the 20th May with a reception. This was the first reception to be held in the Saloon since at least 1775 – as following that date the Saloon was unfortunately sub-divided and the beauty of the plan destroyed. We are very grateful to our funders. These are The Grange Farm Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Mercers Company and a private donor. The Copped Hall Trust also contributed funds.

The Trust will be holding various events in the Saloon during the rest of the year . The highly respected pianist – Iwan Llewelyn Jones - will be performing on Saturday 26th June, the excellent Fitzwilliam Quartet perform on the 4th July. Tickets are available from Frances Dennett on 01992 610 713. There are also three study days – William Tyler, speaking on ‘Aspects of Stuart Life’ on July 20th, Peter Lawrence – speaking on ‘King, Empire and Themselves’ on August 12th and Professor Gill Perry – speaking on ‘Eighteenth Century Women : in painting and on Stage’ on September 8th.

Tickets from Alan Cox on 020 7267 1679. The Covent Garden Minuet Company will demonstrate 18th Century dancing (with an instructor) on September 18th. Tickets again from Frances Dennett on 01992 610 713.

photos: Peter Gamble