The History of
Alterations to the front of Drapers’ Hall in the 1860s resulted in the enlargement of the Livery Hall, a new marble staircase and the renovation of reception rooms on the west side of the Courtyard which resulted in the Drawing Room.
The opulent appearance of this room owes much to John G Crace, whose fashionable firm also worked for Queen Victoria. Crace designed the cream and green themed decorations and walnut furniture in 1868 and as the room suffered only minor damage during World War II, it remains largely as he intended.
Sculpture busts of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales, both members of the Drapers’ Company, adorn the room. It also boasts a marble sculpture, The Shepherd Boy, by the Danish Neo-classicist Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Herbert Draper’s painting of 1900, The Gates of Dawn, celebrating the turn of the century. This shows Draper at the height of his powers and shortly before being commissioned to paint the Livery Hall ceiling. Magnificent Victorian chandeliers add colour and delight.