An Early 19th-Century Panoramic Room in Ashbourne

Abstract

In the early 19th century a panoramic room was created on the first floor of an 18th-century house in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Although later covered up, it was rediscovered on three further occasions, most recently by the owner in 2011. The paintings depict a hunting scene and buildings in a picturesque landscape, and were executed in oils directly onto plaster. This was a relatively common practice, but many examples have been lost and the panoramic room in Ashbourne is a rare and important survival. English Heritage has carried out a photographic survey of the paintings and has upgraded the house to Grade II* to reflect the rarity and artistic interest of the paintings.