The Small Dining Room was once known as the breakfast room. Prime Ministers and their families used this room to have their meals until the flat upstairs was renovated. This was a favourite room of Lloyd George and is suitable for dinners of up to 12 people.
Sir John Soane designed it in 1827 following a commission from PM Viscount Goderich. The most unusual feature of this room is the fireplace without a chimneybreast. The flues used to get so hot that the substance holding the window together would melt, causing the glass to fall out.
Interesting items
Silver Cruet Set
This hand-engraved set, designed by Malcolm Appleby in 1987, uses a simulated tapestry stitch to enhance the pattern and make the appearance more mysterious. Part of a collection owned by the Silver Trust.
Mantelpiece Clock
This silver and enamel clock is by Jane Short and Clive Burr. The German electronic movement is mounted in silver champleve and basse-taille enamel panels.
The electronic movement is controlled by a radio receiver linked to the National Physical Laboratory’s transmitter at Rugby which broadcasts the national time for the UK. Part of a collection owned by the Silver Trust.
Candlesticks
These candlesticks are set with semi-precious stones and cast-silver figures of a lion and a unicorn and are from the Silver Trust Collection.
Bust of Sir Isaac Newton the British scientist and mathematician
This likeness of the British scientist and mathematician by John Michael Rysbrack was probably based on a death mask taken by the artist. Rysbrack, originally from Antwerp, made several versions of this bust. Newton made outstanding contributions in several fields, but is best known for his theory of gravity.
- Move on to the State Dining Room
- Silver Trust (opens in new window)
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