These are all examples of Rex Whistler's trompe l'oeil. I was inspired by his trompe l'oeil tent when I visited Port Lymne over half-term. It was just like being inside a wonderful striped canvas tent but the room was actually just a plain rectangle. Quite amazing how the eye can be so perfectly fooled by this incredibly skillful artist.
None of these rooms are really vaulted or corniced like this - it is all just a trick of the eye created by paintwork.
For examples of trompe l'oeil nearer home visit the Hotel du Vin restaurant and especially the snooker room which is just like being inside a Cuban cigar box - complete with fake bullet holes.
