Key rooms and characteristics of Hardwick Flashcards
(8 cards)
What was the significance of the Great Hall ?
- Great Hall’s were common features of older, more traditional buildings, however were being used less in The Great Rebuilding
- Hardwick Hall, however, contained a Great Hall that was rotated at a 90* angle in the middle of the house, acting as a communal space, and covered two floors.
- These new designs for a traditional space made it more practical, warmer, let in more light, and provide more symmetry to the house.
- This revolutionised the use of a Great Hall, using it in productive situations, such as an eating space for servants, as well as a room to display wealth and status, instead of being a nuisance, with portraits of Bess and her coat of arms to cement her power.
What was the Long Gallery used for?
- Positioned on the … floor
- Displayed luxurious works of art and paintings
- Went across the whole house and acted as a symbol of wealth and status
- Used for entertaining guests, games and social activites, such as dances.
What was a Loggia and what was it used for?
Loggias were features of the Italian Renaissance, brought to the house by the architect, Robert Smythson:
- It was a long covered walkway on both sides of the house
- It enabled exercise and fresh air in all weather, allowing them to entertain guests and admire the grounds whenever they chose
This Italian influence demonstrated the new, modern influences on building.
What was the significance of The Great Staircase?
- Prior to it, staircases required a supporting beam and so had to be spirals
- The Great Staircase of Hardwick Hall, however, had straight areas without spirals, showing building developments and progression.
- It serves as a processional route up to the higher, more sophisticated state rooms and floors for entertaining and was used for more important guests.
What was the significance of the Blue Room?
-Private Chamber / Bedroom
- On top floor and reserved for most prestigious guests
- Contained luxurious furniture and colours of gold and deep indigo blue
- Contains wall hanging of bible story of Tobias and Sarah who prayed for their marriage
- Portrays shift of rooms being needed for defense to luxury and comfort
- Showed loyalty to Elizabeth through decoration
What was the significance of the High Great Chamber?
Similar to the Low Great Chamber, the High Great Chamber was used to entertain prestigious guests and royalty, displaying the influence of hierarchy.
- It contained the queen’s Coat of Arms above the fire place to display her loyalty and royal power and authority.
What was the significance of the Low Great Chamber?
- Positioned on the first floor, the Low Great Chamber was commonly used to entertain guests for dining.
What was the significance of the Chapel?
- Used by the household and the family (Upper part reserved for family to show a social hierarchy)
- Private place for Bess to worship, which Queen Elizabeth I did at Hampton’s Court, and showing her power in wanting to be like the queen.
