Tour the Allandale Parlor

The lamps [which, interestingly, were French urns at one time], sit atop matching hand-painted Tarbaret [“tar-burr-ay”] side tables decorated with ormulu [“orm-ah-lu”], a word which refers to a manufacturing process of gilding cast metal with gold.

The fireplace came from Valley Forge, PA [site of the well-known Revolutionary War winter camp], and bears the date 1835 on the back. The Adam mantle which adorns it is from Gettysburg, and is highlighted by matching French porcelain urns. The lady in the painting above is unknown, the artwork having been purchased somewhere in Europe by friends of the Brooks.

The two matching Bombay commode tables [of the Louis the 14th period] feature marble tops and black walnut legs with satinwood used on the cabinet. Atop these chests are unmatched Sevres, which are French porcelain pieces typically used to serve and/or display fruit, pastry, or flowers. The gilded mirrors hanging above the tables are Italian.

The smoked Venetian-crystal chandelier is also from Europe. It is hand-blown and features bluebell and daffodil flower details.

The large desk table is an Adam [of the same origin as the mantles] design, and is typical of the late 1700s [although this happens to be a reproduction]. Originally used by Mr. Brooks in his office, it is what was known as a “gentlemen’s desk.” Such desks incorporated drawers on both sides so that a [typically] male secretary could be seated across from his boss.

The painting behind this table displays Marie Antoinette of French historic fame, and was purchased at The Metropolitan Museum of Art [New York, NY], like those in the Dining Room, by Mr. Brooks.

An Indian rug covers the floor. It is a reproduction of a French Savonnaire [“sah-vohn-air”], and is valued at upwards of $17,000.