Study Day
A place for concentration, with a butler in attendance. Tea and quiet, in the Study.
About Study Day
A Study Day is a place for quiet concentration, with a butler in attendance, centred on the Study at Queen's Butler The Studio: for reading, writing, letters and reflection. The butler waits at a distance in the same room, keeps the door, arranges the desk and lamps, and brews tea.
Before you sit at the desk, the butler makes space.
Preparing the Study is not simply a matter of clearing the desk; it means removing whatever is superfluous, so that your gaze returns to the one book, the one letter, the one question of the day. Through the door you will find an English twin-pedestal desk with a leather top, a black leather captain's chair, a quill and an inkwell. The butler draws out the chair and asks where your papers and books should be placed.
The butler takes your coat and bags, leaving on the desk only what you need. Those using a device are asked about power; those spreading out papers are given room for their hands to move. Once the tea is set down, the butler waits at a distance in the same room without a word, and comes quietly to your side when the silver bell rings.
Both male and female butlers serve here; if you have a preference, please let us know when you book. The Manor is run by the Japan Butler Association, a general incorporated association. The butler never looks into your work, asks which way your papers should face and on which side your drink should stand, and keeps a distance that does not disturb your concentration.
A leather-topped desk, a black leather chair and two tiers of light surround your thoughts
| Desk | English, 1980s. Mahogany with a leather top, W122 × D61 × H76.5 cm. The twin-pedestal form, with drawers on either side supporting the top, makes it easy to gather papers, books and writing implements at the centre. |
|---|---|
| Chair | A black leather captain's chair. A form born in nineteenth-century England as the seat of sea captains and men of business, with a low back and curved arms. It supports the motion of resting the arms and turning back to the desk. |
| Ceiling light | A French three-light crystal chandelier from the 1920s. It lights the whole room from above and, together with the floor-standing lamp, creates the two-tiered shadows of the Study. |
| Floor lamp | A bronze standing chandelier, 1,640 mm tall. When you move away from the desk, its standing light keeps the depth of the Study. |
| Desk and shelves | An inkwell, a quill, sealing wax, a brass magnifying glass, an hourglass, a globe, a pocket watch, a typewriter and leather-bound books. Please do not move them without the butler; if you would like to change where they sit, simply ask. |
| Entrance to the Study | An Italian-made suit of Western knight's armour, 185 cm tall, with sword. |
Midway through your concentration, the butler places a small interval.
A pause in concentration is not stopping because the clock demands it; it is a change of breath and gaze so that you can move on to the next page. When the butler sets down the first cup of tea, the Study's time begins. For as long as you would rather not be spoken to, the butler waits at a distance in the same room.
For a short rest, leave the Study for the Fireplace Room. Your papers and books stay where they are while the butler prepares the next seat. Let your eyes rest on the fire or the paintings, take a sip of tea, then return to the leather-topped desk. If you come as a party, we ask whether you would rather rise together or take your pauses separately. A place for conversation and a place for silence can be kept apart.
As the end approaches, the butler does not hurry you, but speaks at the time you have chosen. Close the unfinished page and check together the papers, books, writing implements and devices on the desk. Your belongings are returned to your bag, your coat is brought, and the butler sees you to the door along the gallery with its longcase clock.
Desk and seat are arranged to suit reading, writing or thinking
Reading through a single book
Time to sit deep in the leather chair and turn the pages. Whether you place one book on the desk or compare several documents, the butler asks how much room you need.
Read more
Setting words down
Letters, manuscripts, diaries. Room is made on the leather top for paper and pen.
Read more
Unravelling your thoughts
Time to think without haste, with an hourglass or the globe beside you. Sitting at the desk is not the only answer.
Read moreFrom arrival to farewell, you choose your distance from the butler
| Moment | What the butler does | What we ask you |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Welcomes you at the door and takes your coat and bags | What you wish to work on, what goes on the desk, and when you would rather not be spoken to |
| Preparation | Arranges desk, chair, lamps and tea | The Study or the Fireplace Room, your preferred lighting, and on which side the tea should stand |
| While you concentrate | Waits at a distance in the same room until the silver bell rings | Whether to wait for the bell, or to agree in advance when to speak and when to refresh the tea |
| Short rest | Prepares a seat in the Fireplace Room or the gallery | Where you would like a change of scene, how long you will be away, and your tea preference |
| Departure | Checks for anything left behind and sees you to the door | A word at the time that suits your next engagement, and a check of your belongings |
Distance from the butler does not mean standing forever at your elbow; it means waiting where we can respond when needed, while protecting your concentration.
From closing the door to closing the page: five stages
Close the door
The butler welcomes you and takes your coat and bags. The Manor is yours alone, for up to six guests, and is never left unattended.
Choose your desk
Centred on the leather-topped desk in the Study, only the papers, books, writing implements and devices you need that day are set out. Large tools and anything needing power are confirmed in advance.
Tea is set down
The butler brews tea and waits at a distance in the same room. Ring the silver bell whenever you need anything. You may also agree in advance when the butler should speak.
Rest your hands
At the agreed time, or at the sound of the silver bell, the butler prepares a seat for a short rest. Your papers and books stay untouched; you may leave the Study just as it is.
Change of scene
Let your gaze move to the Fireplace Room, the Dining Room or the gallery. For a party, seats are separated for those who wish to continue quietly and those who wish to rest, and the butler arranges paths so that neither disturbs the other.
What the butler prepares
- The Manor reserved for your party alone, up to six guests, with the furnishings of the Study including the leather-topped desk and black leather chair
- One butler in attendance: welcome, care of your coat and bags, and farewell
- Desk, chair and lamps arranged for your papers, books, writing implements and devices, and the placing of your tea
- Tea served at the time you choose, or at the sound of the silver bell
- Seats and paths prepared for moving from the Study to the Fireplace Room, the Dining Room or the gallery
What to bring
- Stationery, paper, books, devices and whatever else you need for the day's work
- Printed matter and bound documents you require; please prepare them in the order of use before you arrive
- Use of the Manor unattended; the butler waits at a distance in the same room even while you concentrate
- Moving the antique furnishings yourself, or taking the small objects from the desk
QHow may I spend a Study Day?
Please bring whatever you wish to work on yourself: reading, writing, letters, sorting documents, reflection. The butler arranges desk, lamps and tea, and waits at a distance in the same room. Your work is never looked into, and we ask at the outset when you would like to be spoken to.
QDoes the butler stay beside the desk the whole time?
The butler waits at the distance you prefer. While you concentrate, the butler remains at a distance in the same room, coming to your side when the silver bell rings or at the time agreed beforehand.
QMay I bring my own books and tools?
Yes. Please bring the books, papers, writing implements and devices you will use. For large tools, anything needing power, or anything that might come into contact with the Manor's furnishings, please tell us the dimensions and purpose in advance.
QCan a party use it together?
We welcome up to six guests. Whether you share the Study quietly or divide between the Study and the Fireplace Room, the butler proposes an arrangement to suit your party and purpose.
QWhat are the fees and hours?
Please enquire with your preferred date and time, party size, how you wish to spend the day, and whether you would like to change seats. Hours and fees are advised individually by the butler once we have reviewed your request.
QIs there a dress code?
We recommend whatever lets you sit comfortably at the desk for a long while and feel at ease. Any questions about clothing can be raised individually when you book. The butler will take your outer layers and rainwear.
About using The Studio
- The manor is never let unattended. A butler is present for every booking, and keys are not handed over
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drink. We do not provide meals
- Please use the antique furnishings under the butler's guidance. The armour, hall clock, porcelain and silver are handled by the butler
- Please consult us in advance about loud sound or the use of naked flames
- Prices shown include tax
You may also wish to read
The Study and its tea, for your own time.
Please tell us what you wish to work on, your preferred date and time, and your party size. The butler will explain how the Study is prepared and how the day may unfold.