Heritage > Historic Houses

Woburn Abbey

The Canaletto Room

This is the dining-room that the family use for meals with more than six people. It contains the fine collection of Venetian views by Canaletto (1697-1768). Commissioned by the 4th Duke, they have hung in this room since 1800. During his time this room was used as a library and in 1770, the year before his death, it was re-decorated with an exquisitely painted ceiling by Cipriani. Unfortunately this was removed when Henry Holland was redesigning the south wing. During the nineteenth century the room became known as the Venetian Drawing Room and was hung with green drapery, a colour very similar to the curtains in the Ante-Library. From this room you can see the different levels of the ground between the west and the south; the south terrace was built up over an undercroft to enable the 5th Duke and his guests to walk out after dinner. The terrace was extended later.

What colour are you?

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