A first-floor room in Ballinlough Castle, County Westmeath which has preserved its early 18th century wainscotting and corner chimneypiece which, as was the style of the period, lies almost flush with the wall. It’s all quite simple, and quite perfect. Unquestionably one of the most charming houses in Ireland, Ballinlough will be the subject of more thorough exploration before too long.
Indeed, pure and simple, the best of Georgian.
Is that considered wainscoting? It seems to go straight to the ceiling, so would be paneling, yes?
Well actually wainscotting originally referred to all internal panelling; it was only during the course of the 18th century that the term came to be used for the lower section of panelled walls. Therefore at the time this room was created, it would most likely have been described as wainscotting, or indeed wainscoting – one or two t’s are optional. And in addition, I think the word rather beautiful (the Irish Aesthete loves the rythym of language).
Wainscotting is a beautiful word so little used (others that I adore include charabanc which, when I said that within the hearing of Imogen Taylor, resulted in a head swivel of the most dramatic kind) … But thank you very much for that information, which I greatly appreciate. Did you see the review I wrote about your heavenly Luggala book? http://www.architecturaldigest.com/blogs/daily/2012/11/luggala-days-book-ireland-castle-guinness-article
Yes, I did see it – and would encourage others to do likewise. Thank you so much for your kind words