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Virtual Tour: Vestibule and Hall
Government House is entered through a Porte-Cochère and a series of
rooms (Porch, Vestibule and Hall), all of which protect it from the elements.
The porch itself has grown out onto the drive over the years.
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Visitors Book Table
Table belonged to the original house at Fort Townshend.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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Vestibule Sofa
Sofa was ordered for the house in 1829.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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In the bright, well-windowed Vestibule are some interesting pieces of
furniture. The table on which the Visitor's Book sits is part of what the
Georgian period called a set of dining tables. It is one of the
few remaining pieces of furniture from the original Government House in
Fort Townshend. Opposite is a sofa that is part of the furniture ordered
for this house in 1829.
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Plaque
Grinling Gibbons style plaque lists all the governors from the time of
Henry Osborne in 1729.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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Mantlepiece
A classically-detailed mantlepiece above which is a portrait of Queen
Elizabeth.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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Moving into the Hall we see, on the right, a classically-detailed mantlepiece
above which is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth. Opposite
is the Grinling Gibbons style plaque which lists all the Governors of
Newfoundland from the time of Henry Osborne in 1729.
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Alexander Pindikowsky Ceiling
Hall ceiling painted by Pindikowsky.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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Hall Ceiling Detail
Detail of the Alexander Pindikowsky ceiling.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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Above is the first of a series of ceilings by Alexander Pindikowsky, a Polish
fresco-painter who, having been convicted of forgery, did part of his
sentence working here and in the Colonial Building.
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Royal Newfoundland Regiment Colours
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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The crossing of the
Hall and the Passage becomes a kind of sacred space for here stand the
colours of the Royal Newfoundland regiment. The original colours, which
were presented in World War I, are set in the niche.
Doomed Skylight
Skylight located above the passageway.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
(24 Kb)
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Lighting the Passage
is an oval gallery above which is a domed skylight. The walls and doors of
the rooms above which face on the gallery are curved to enhance the effect
of the space.
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Semi-circular Staircase
The staircase has contributed much to the elegance of Government House.
Photo © 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site.
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At the eastern end of this passage, beside the
Lieutenant-Governor's Office, is a superbly delicate semi-circular
staircase leading to the upper floor with masonry steps, cast-iron
balusters and a mahogany rail. This was, not surprisingly, one of the
features that contributed to the cost of the building; now we would say it
contributed more to the elegance of Government House.
August, 2000.
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Previous: The Grounds.
Next: Dining Room. >>
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