Take a tour of the newly restored Vernet Drawing Room at Russborough House, Co Wicklow …
WHAT?
The Vernet Drawing Room at Russborough House, Co Wicklow was originally created to display eight “Times of the Day” paintings by celebrated French artist Claude Joseph Vernet (1714 – 1789). Of the eight paintings, four masterpiece ovals were completed at the height of Vernet’s artistic power in 1751, and were said to be the inspiration for the original interior design of this elegant drawing room. However, these ovals were sold in Paris in 1926. It took Russborough’s last owners, Sir Alfred and Lady Clementine Beit, 16 years to trace the paintings before restoration work could begin.
HOW?
The restoration project has brought the elegant room to life including the masterpiece paintings it was designed to display. The project, led by historic interior designer Alec Cobbe and overseen by Russborough’s Head of Collections & Conservation, Pauline Swords, began in November 2022.
Based on the original painting hang of the room, the first task was to return the dramatic baroque ceiling and the walls to their earliest colour scheme of soft white distempers.
All four Vernet ovals required significant conservation treatment, including removal of yellowed varnish and poor overpainting from previous restoration, retouching and varnishing, along with repair and re-gilding of the frames undertaken by Alec Cobbe and his team. Next came the careful gilding of the stucco work, completed by restoration artist, Theresa Cuddihy. It took over ten weeks to complete, comprising prepping, sanding and painting, and a full six weeks to apply over 3,500 sheets of 23.5 carat gold leaf by hand.
WHO?
Speaking about the restoration project, Russborough’s Head of Collections & Conservation, Pauline Swords, explains, “A labour of love, passion and dedication, by everyone involved, this project can only be described as a revelation, quite literally. The long-anticipated renovation of the Vernet Drawing Room at Russborough has revealed something that has never been seen in our lifetime, with startling effect. Expertly restored to its original 18th-century design, this extraordinary room brings together a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, picture hang and iconic works, creating an experience unmatched anywhere in Ireland.”
Need to know: The Vernet Room is open to the public. For more information visit www.russborough.ie.