Broadlands

The Saloon

The delicate white and gold neo-classical decoration of the Saloon is magnificent. Broadlands' archives indicate that the 2nd Viscount Palmer ston commissioned Joseph Rose the elder to design and carry out this plasterwork in 1769. Rose had previously worked under Adam at Syon, but his compositions at Broadlands are in a much freer, and wholly individual, style.

This wonderful classical scheme was menaced by dry rot behind the plaster in 1960, when much of it had to be stripped. The modern relief work is indistinguishable from that of the earlier craftsmen.

Eighteenth century English chairs and settees a re in the then fashionable French taste. Two commodes with fine inlaid marble tops are also contemporary and attributed to the cabinet-makers, Ince and Mayhew.

Sevres and Meissen pieces displayed in the two alcoves were arranged personally by Lord Mountbatten's brother-in-law, the late King Gustaf of Sweden who was an acknowledged expert on porcelain.

Sir Malcolm Sargent was a regular visitor to Broadlands and he frequently entertained the Mountbattens and their guests with impromptu piano reci tals in the Saloon. For a more relaxed ambience the family would retreat to the Drawing room.