April 28, 2015
“In loving memory of our dear friend Sir Henry Irving”. This room was originally designed as a bedroom, but was converted into a library before becoming a museum dedicated to the famous Victorian tragic actor, Sir Henry Irving, after his death in 1905. Irving was a frequent visitor to Bournemouth and stayed at the Royal […]
April 28, 2015
The Study, although named after its function, never acted as one. Instead Merton used the Morning Room. As a showroom the Study displayed European decorative art next to fine art. The room was decorated with some subtle allusions to Merton’s position in society. His heraldic shield was carved in overdoors, while the fireplace tiles were […]
April 28, 2015
The Boudoir was Annie’s private room. A sanctuary away from the rest of the world, where she could come to read, sew or take in the magnificient view. Annie also received visitors and friends in this room. Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, took tea with Annie in the Boudoir after formally opening the Galleries […]
April 28, 2015
In February 1910, Merton and Annie visited Spain. Their trip to the Moorish Palace of Alhambra in Granada inspired them to build a Moorish Alcove in their home on their return to Bournemouth. On the lip of the magnificient dome is a quote taken from the Koran which reads “There is no conqueror but God”. […]
April 28, 2015
The Yellow Room was originally Annie Russell-Cotes’ bedroom. Unfortunately, we have no original plans or photographs of the bedroom and its furniture. John Thomas’ coving murals feature British flora and fauna and reflect Annie’s passion for natural history. The bright fresh colours used in this room are a stark contrast to the dark sombre tones […]
April 28, 2015
This room was originally Merton’s bedroom, decorated in his favourite colour. He and Annie had separate bedrooms with single beds (a common practice amongst middle-class couples of the time). The room was originally separated by a fretwork screen which created a sitting area in the room’s bay window. The ceiling mural depicts the birth of […]
April 28, 2015
Based on the grand Japanese Drawing Room in the Royal Bath Hotel, The Mikado’s Room was originally the Blue Bedroom but was converted to a room devoted to displaying the Russell-Cotes’ Japanese collection. The room was probably chosen by Merton because it overlooked the couple’s Japanese garden. “Mr Russell-Cotes has travelled a great deal in […]
April 28, 2015
This room was originally used as guest bedroom throughout Merton and Annie’s residence, most probably by their grandchildren when they came to stay as a treat. When Annie became ill in 1919, her nurse, Miss Newboult, moved into the guest bedroom permanently. Annie moved into Merton’s bedroom, the Red Room, just opposite, to be close […]
April 28, 2015
Four beautiful galleries showcase the acclaimed artwork in the Russell-Cotes. Galleries I – III From 1916 to 1919, Annie paid for the building of three additional art galleries to East Cliff Hall. Galleries I, II and III, which are accessed through the Main Hall, enabled many of the largest works of the founding fine art […]
April 28, 2015
The Drawing Room was used as a spectacular showcase for Merton and Annie’s fine and decorative art collection. The unifying theme to the room and its contents appeared to be anything delicate, refined or gilded. Even a plaster bust of Annie was gilded! The design of the room is based upona pair of doors from […]