As the pattern of rooms in later 17th-century England drew closer to the French model, a typical private‘ suite developed in fashionable houses. It consisted of the withdrawing room, the bedroom, and the closet. The bedroom had a role as a reception room where privileged guests were received, usually in the morning when the host was getting up and being dressed. For completely private relaxation another room developed — the closet — after the fashion of the French cabinet.

The closet lay beyond the bedroom and was the most intimate of the private rooms. Being invited to it was a mark of the visitor’s closeness to the host — or sometimes of the host’s desire to flatter a visitor of high social standing. But principally the closet was a place to entertain close family and friends, to read and write, and to take tea — or chocolate.

Antique Collector MagazineIt was usually small, but richly decorated with the most comfortable furniture in the house, such as upholstered armchairs or, as in this lady’s closet, a daybed. It was a snug retreat when the portiere curtain was drawn over the door and the fire in the marble corner fireplace shone on the delft-tiled surround and the wrought-iron and brass fire irons.

Private Collections

A general interest in science in the late 17th century, as well as experience of travel, sparked off an enthusiasm for collecting. Large objects could be displayed in the long gallery, but smaller ones would be kept in the closet — perhaps in a purpose-made glass- fronted case. A gentleman might collect paintings, Classical sculpture, coins, curios from abroad or minerals and shells. A lady might fancy birds‘ eggs, butterflies or Oriental porcelain. Oriental lacquer panels, screens or cabinets might also be treasured in the closet.

If a house had several private suites, they were arranged along the sides of the upper storey. The closet was put at the very corner with a staircase beside it—partly for servants to get about without passing through more public rooms. But such stairways also allowed political plotters, moneylenders, lovers and mistresses to reach the closet unseen.

Red and gold japanned cabinet on stand

Chinese porcelain and delftware collection

Lacquer panels taken from a Chinese screen

Walnut stool with silver chocolate pot and blue and white cup and saucer

Geometric-design Turkish rug on parquet

Giltwood daybed with damask upholstery

Small writing bureau with octagonal silver candlestick, silver inkpot and quill pen

Brass wall sconces

Japanned chair on early hoofed cabriole legs

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