Lichfield family
The perfect spot
There are some moments, some places, that just touch a special button, aren’t there? The library first used by Thomas Anson, First Earl of Lichfield, in the 18th Century, is one such. It’s in Staffordshire – Shugborough Manor, a Palladian mansion house now in the hands of the National Trust and being extensively renovated and developed to excellent effect.
I believe I could scribble away contentedly there for days on end. The little writing table both catches the light and is positioned to give a fabulous view of the garden till the muse strikes. On the opposite side of the room, a lovely upholstered chair with foot rest provides a tranquil spot to recline whilst reading in perfect peace. If chill winds are blowing, two comfy chairs clustered beside a roaring fire invite you into the far end of the room. What more could one ask for?
Well, the best and most unusual feature has to be the door to this little sanctum. It’s slimline, with the spines of real books set behind glass. Once it’s shut it creates the illusion of seamless shelving. How cool is that?
And strategically placed mirrors exaggerate the effect of endless shelving.
Outside this little sanctum, in the cafe in the courtyard, there are several shelves of second hand books and naturally I HAD to support the venture by buying a few. Moments later one of the waitresses came to my table and stopped to stare at me.
Waitress: I have to have a good look in case your picture is in the paper soon.
Me: I’m sorry?
Waitress: You’ve just bought How to Kill Your Family!
Before I left I called by to reassure her this was all in the course of my work as a novelist. As she moved away I heard her muttering something about what a great job to have, making up stories. Indeedy.
I was doubly glad I’d contributed in some miniscule way when I later visited one of the buildings in the park, The Tower of the Winds, and found that restoration was funded in part (to the tune of £30,000!!!) by the sale of second hand books.
A perfect visit for a writer, huh?