iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Replies

Dr James Alexander Cameron @drjacameron.stainedglassattitudes.com · 09/10/2026

Representing the Shuttleworth's motto, personifications of Prudence (with her snake) and Justice (with her... uh, name) oddly raising their skirts. Are they meant to be curtseying? Plaster overmantle of fireplace in 2nd-storey bedroom of Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire, by the Gunton brothers, 1604-5.

Plaster overmantle of white. In the centre the shuttleworth coat of arms, with their heraldry of three shuttles, and a crest of a hand holding another shuttle. On strapwork plinths, standing on small skulls, are two largely identical ladies balancing baskets of fruits on their heads. They have the legends Prudentia and Justica. Only Prudence has an attribute: the snake curled around her right arm. Both of them lift their dresses towards the coat of arms. Wallpaper is Lily and Rose by Walter Crane, 1896 (reprint)

151

Dr James Alexander Cameron @drjacameron.stainedglassattitudes.com · 09/10/2026

The really spectacular plasterwork at Gawthorpe is the drawing room, also by the Gunby brothers and documented as being done May-September 1605, described by Clare Hartwell in the Buildings in England as "rather crude, but full of beans".

View of drawing room from inside entrance. The fireplace is the only intervention by Charles Barry in his thorough restoration of the Hall 1849-52. Original squared panelling of 1605 with pilasters and an arcaded frieze with marquetry. Frieze and cornice before splendid plaster ceiling of panels with swirls of grapes and hanging pendants.

Close up of the frieze showing various figures such as Putti and the figures standing on the pilasters

Wild man ath the corner and man in armour nominally holding the curtain rail

View of wall and door to main staircase hall with various beasties perched atop the pilasters.

081