With consultation from James D. Wenn of Byrgah Geniht Ltd, a representation of Sir Rowland Hill’s studiolo has been attended to.
An incunabula (pre-1500) printed illustration of Noah’s Ark now finds a home in Soulton Hall’s studiolo. This powerful image prompts reflection on Sir Rowland Hill’s dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage.
This scheme aims to evoke a connection between this room and the Parker Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in light of the connections betwen Hill and Parker and the understanding that scholarly materils that ended up in Cambridge were sheltered at Soulton.
Portrait of Sir Rowland Hill, Mercer’s Copy
The space also features quotations from Michel de Montaigne inscribed on the beams:
IN TRVTH, AND I AM NOT AFRAID TO CPNFESS IT, I SHOULD EASILY, IN CASE OF NEED, HOVLD VP ONE CANDLE TO ST. MICHAEL AND ANOTHER TO HIS DRAGON
and
I WILL FOLLOW THE RIGHT EVEN TO THE FIRE, BVT EXCLUSIVELY IF I CAN
These quotations highlight a shared intellectual curiosity and a commitment to tolerance, values embodied by both Hill and Montaigne.
An early 17th-century portrait depicting Matthew Parker
They also subtly reflect the sensitivity of Hill’s work during a period of religious turmoil. The inscriptions serve as a reminder of the delicate balance Hill had to navigate – protecting people and culture while existing within a system demanding compromise.
Old Sir Rowland’s sea chest
Additionally, a plaque near the priest hole, commemorating its history reads:
Behind this tablet lies a space believed to have been intended to be used to hide scholars and priests from the authorities during the turmoil of the sixteenth century. This memorial honours all who have suffered persecution for their beliefs.
A hidden treasure within Soulton Hall’s studiolo: a (now) gold-guilded book safe, originally designed for discreet storage of precious items.
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What is a studiolo?
In Renaissance Italy, the elite houses often had a unique chamber: the studiolo (plural: studioli). Meaning “little study” in Italian, these were not everyday workrooms. They were meticulously designed sanctuaries for intellectual pursuits and contemplation. Curated collections of books, instruments, and art reflected the owner’s erudition and social standing, creating a personal library intertwined with a self-curated museum exhibit.
Beyond mere storage, the studiolo was a space for active engagement with knowledge – a haven for quiet reflection amidst a meticulously constructed visual and intellectual environment. Thus, the studiolo served not only as a functional space, but as a testament to the owner’s intellectual and artistic sensibilities.
The door to Sir Rowland Hill’s studiolo is currently undergoing restoration, with the chamfers being gilded, to reflect the importance of the room.
