Library

This room was probably used as George Holt's study. It has many original features, including the bookcases, chimneypiece and embossed wallpaper. 

Cabinetmakers and upholsterers J. O’Neill of Church Street, Liverpool, were commissioned by George Holt in 1884 to make and install the Library bookcases. They are also responsible for the striking chimneypiece with its marquetry inlay and carved columns. The hand-painted fireplace tiles, depicting two female figures symbolising art and music, were designed and made by Shrigley and Hunt of Lancaster. Like the bookcases, the subject matter of the tiles reflects the Holt family’s general interest in the arts. The embossed flock wallpaper was installed by the Holt family in the 1880s. These imitated the raised piles of more expensive cut silk or velvet fabrics that wealthy people mounted on their walls in the 18th and 19th centuries.