The Ceiling Rose. A fine example of rococo plasterwork.

The ceiling is an outstanding example of 1750s plasterwork. It shows the hand of a master craftsman in full command of the rococo style: the frieze of free-flowing acanthus running around the top of the walls is executed with a bold yet light touch, with flowers standing out in three dimensions, their crisp detail never clogged by later coats of paint.

While the contract between the Earl and the Adam brothers states that the ornamental stucco work of the ceiling, cornice and frieze was the responsibility of the brothers, unfortunately the stuccoist remains unidentified. Possible candidates are Thomas Clayton, Philip Robertson or John Dawson.