The busts displayed above the bookcases depict various scholars and writers from history, including the 17th century scientist Sir Isaac Newton. The room was also designed to be a practical space, with its decorative columns doubling-up as cupboards for extra storage space for books, plans and maps. 

This room was originally furnished by the locally born cabinet-maker, Thomas Chippendale. Harewood was Chippendale’s largest and most lucrative commission, worth more than £10,000 (over £1 million today).

Some of the Old Library’s original furniture can still be seen in this room today.