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 specially decorated by Carter’s of Poole (now Poole Pottery) to show Merton’s monogram, and elements of the Russell-Cotes’ coat of arms.
The wall is covered by a Tynecastle canvas featuring embossed thistles. The frieze, also Tynecastle, incorporates a rose and thistle design, chosen to reflect the nationalities of Merton (English) and Annie (Scottish).