Architecturally speaking, this is the most important room in the house, having the classic proportions of the half cube.  It measures 20 x 20 feet and is 10 feet high. These classical proportions recall the influence of Inigo Jones, who was probably the first to introduce the cube and double cube into English Architecture.  The fine bolection moulded panelling dates from the early eighteenth century.  However, contemporary to the building of 1660, is the finely decorated plaster ceiling of nine panels, divided by deep beams covered with Renaissance motifs of flower tendrils, leaves and pineapples, etc. interspersed with leaves.  Around it are four panels with bay garlands and winged heads of Amorini.  The four square corner panels have a sunflower motif and 'masks' of female heads with exotic hair styles and head dresses perhaps echoing influences brought in by trade with Europe and the Far East, to the extravagant court masques of Inigo Jones.  The whole ceiling is one of the finest in Southern England and one of the reasons for Guildford House being a listed building.

At one time this room was called 'The Sheriff's Parlour'.  It derived this name from the fact that in the eighteenth and nineteenth century, when the Assize Courts were held, first in the Assembly Room behind the Red Lion Hotel (now Boots on the corner of Market Street) and later in the newly built Corn Exchange (Tunsgate), the High Sheriff and his party would withdraw to this room.

It was renamed 'The Powell Room' after restoration in 1959 in honour of the Chairman of the Libraries, Museum and Arts Committee from 1944-1957, Alderman Lawrence Powell, MC, MA, JP who was keenly interested in the arts and instrumental in the purchase of the building.

Guildford House Gallery
155 High Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3AJ

Tel: 01483 444740
Fax: 01483 444742
Email: guildfordhouse@guildford.gov.uk