The Library

Posted on by
Reply

The Library at AuchinleckWhile staying at Auchinleck House my evenings were spent mostly in the Library, enjoying the warmth of a log fire while browsing the rows of handsomely bound spines. Libraries have always held a potent attraction for me, stirred by the prospect of abundant knowledge just waiting to be discovered. It is frequently my favourite room when visiting any country house, being a major component of any self-respecting stately home. These private collections, often maintained and refined by generations of a single family, reveal the tastes and interests of those who once lived there. I find it a sure method of determining anyone’s passions; search through my own shelves and you will immediately learn what varied topics enthuse me.

My Library (1)

Continue reading →

Delusions of Grandeur

Posted on by
1

Since a young age I’ve been fascinated by ‘big houses’. Enchanted by their stately interiors and impressive edifices, I’ve always fantasized about living in a castle or mansion. Last week gave me just a taste of what it’s like to call such a place home.

The entrance front

Auchinleck House in East Ayrshire is owned by The Landmark Trust, a charitable organization who rescue endangered buildings across Britain and make them available for holiday rentals. My Mum, a fellow historic house enthusiast, has stayed in Landmark properties before, and last summer we were browsing their website with purely innocent intentions. Needless to say our willpower soon faltered upon finding a stately mansion close to our home available for a discounted winter rate the following January. Within a few minutes we’d egged each other on to the point of booking Auchinleck House (capable of sleeping a party of thirteen) for just the two of us! It was a somewhat crazy whim, but the prospect of indulging our shared delusions of grandeur proved just too inviting. Continue reading →

Architectural Attire

Posted on by
Reply

Today I’ve added a new page to the site to accommodate another branch of my work – clothing. This comes at a time when a place that fuses my two loves of costume and architecture is under threat, and I digress a moment to mention this. Shambellie House, Scotland’s National Museum of Costume, is facing closure. I first read of its plight a few weeks ago and was saddened and shocked to think this cultural asset could be lost, considering the value of the building itself and the collection it houses.

Shambellie House Continue reading →

Getting Plastered

Posted on by
Reply

Earlier this month I spent a few days gaining experience with a team of plasterers currently involved in the restoration of Lowther Castle near Penrith. Continue reading →

Across the Border: Welsh Ruins

Posted on by
Reply

Yes, I have been broadening my horizons and while it might seem a slight digression from the geographical focus of this site, last week saw me exploring new ruin territory.

Since the beginning of my on-going artistic work with ruins, I have chosen to concentrate on those found in Scotland. I’m sometimes asked why I favour these buildings over those in other parts of Britain, the answer being that it is not really a conscious focus but simply the result of my deep love of the country. In fact my love of ruins and Scotland seem to go hand in hand. My early explorations of derelict mansions took me to the far reaches of the land I’d always called home without having experienced to any great extent. I discovered Scotland to be a truly beautiful place of diverse landscapes and captivating architecture, and this love only intensified after living in London where I often craved my homeland as the antidote to city life. Continue reading →