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 games or riddles with their parents and guests.
Circa 1840, Irish. Screens such as these protected the ladies complexion from the heat of the fire.
Mahogany Games Table, used for playing card games. Irish, Late 18th century.
Artificial light was expensive so its use was gauged on the need for visibility and a symbol of hospitality.
ALSO ON THE FIRST FLOOR: