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Examination of the contents of Mentmore Tower etched on
my mind the dexterity of man in the immense variety of art form that could be
seen and the sheer quality of the work.
Anne Bolynne's milking pails stick in my mind as do some four hundred years old chairs which, when the covers were removed displayed the most beautiful embroidery with crisp bright colours as if done today.
In the afternoon, upon entering one of the principle bedrooms with several Sotheby's staff cataloguing, Lady Roseberry said "Mr Rogers let me show you my favourite piece". The piece was a most ornate French ormolu bureaux. Opening a door she said "watch this", pressing the number three button when the number three door below sprang out. I said "can I have a go", "of course she replied". Number one drawer on the right hand side shot out at my command. I then reloaded my drawer and Lady Roseberry went to reload hers. However, in so doing, the ormolu surround came away in her hand. She addressed the nearest Sotheby's person with a poremptory "mend that will you". The final call was downstairs to the kitchen where the Sotheby's china specialist was drooling over the contents. I asked him what most excited him and he pointed to a Sevres oyster stand in the finest white china, with blue edging "I didn't even know Sevres did this" was his retort. Lady Rosebery then said "perhaps you would like a momento of your visit Mr. Rogers?", "yes please" Lady Roseberry. "Mr Sotheby that will be alright if I give Mr Rogers a plate?". "Well, Lady Roseberry, if you do that I'll have to count them all over again". Whereupon Lady Roseberry replaced the chosen monogrammed plate on its rack!