View 2, Principal Bedroom, Norman Shaw fireplace
A new fireplace was installed in the Principal Bedroom in 1887. Previously both main bedrooms had fireplaces similar to those in the Dining Room and Morning Room, but this one is in a completely different style.
Friends of the Sambournes lived in houses designed by the architect Norman Shaw which had fireplaces similar to this one in every room. It is unlikely that Sambourne would have asked Shaw for a design. He probably make a quick sketch of one while visiting his friends which he then gave to his builder to copy.
The fireplace contains antique Dutch tiles and is decorated with blue and white china and is topped with a classical bust and two small Michaelangelo reproductions of Night and Day.
In front of the fireplace there is a fan in a glass case, each leaf is decorated and signed by a well known artist of the period. These include Watts, Millais, Frith and Alma Tadema
