The Ante Room is of total contrast to the State Dining Room. Pevsner (1989) states that this room is not Jacobean but French, Louis Quinze, in style. The ceiling would have originally been white, but the colours were introduced during redecoration in 1986. The room was decorated again in 2014.
The cherubs above the fireplace are thought to have been originally part of a grave decoration. Note the Gregory Gregory GG insignia in the fireback and De Ligne family shield on the overmantle.
Below. GG insignia in fireback (Photography: L. Dawes)
In 1859 the Ante Room is said to have contained ” two superb paintings by Eddys, being striking likenesses of the present Lord of the Manor and his Lady – Mr. Gregory’s father and mother – Miss Williams (by Sir Peter Lely). The mantel piece is of Carrara marble, and contains the arms of Louis XIV, King of France. The chairs are covered with ancient needlework, also of French origin.”
From Reminiscences of a visit to Harlaxton Manor House, The Grantham Journal, Saturday May 28, 1859.
Harlaxton Manor Archives 