Objects taken to safety included the ornate ormolu chandelier, a large Turkish carpet dating from the 19th century, the decorative fender from the fireplace and pieces of delicate, gilt-etched glassware.
The decorative plaster ceiling has been carefully propped up to protect it and the original chimneypiece, designed by Giacomo Leoni, has also survived.
Items belonging to the Onslow Speakers such as Sir Richard Onslow’s silver christening mug from 1654 and a State Purse and metal embroidered red State stocking worn by the ‘Great Speaker’ Arthur Onslow were also rescued.
All the paintings from the room, including the portraits of Arthur Onslow and Richard Onslow, were rescued on the day of the fire.
Salvage operation