This is a second attempt to portray the beauty and attractions of the ancient Blair Castle. Last week we looked at the ballroom, drawing room, and other gathering rooms. Below, a corner of the castle on the left and the bagpiper on the right (yes, a very accomplished lady). In the lower row, at right, the corridor to the shop and tea room, adorned with hunting trophies, and an aerial few from the website.
The State Bed in the Tapestry Room with Spitalfields silk hangings and ostrich feather plumes was brought here for the First Duke of Atholl in 1704. The Mortlake Tapestries in the room once belonged to Charles I, later sold by Oliver Cromwell, and purchased by the First Duke in France.
Below, furnishings of the Tapestry room.
The Blue Bedroom was decorated by the 7th Duke of Atholl (1840-1917) and Louisa, his Duchess, pictured on the wall adjacent to the bed.
Below, furnishings in the Blue Bedroom.
A third chamber, strangely enough known as the Red Bedroom. The bed, chairs, and tea table are all in Chinese Chippendale style, by William Masters, c. 1750.
Several rooms are devoted to the children of the family and their attendants. A child's sleigh, below left to right, a fine hobby horse, and doll furniture, show the clothing and toys of the generations who grew up at Blair Castle.
At the base of the great staircase, a knight in full armor rides his steed into battle or a medieval festival of jousting.
Throughout the more than thirty rooms open to the visitor, you will find dozens of portraits and evidence of the celebrated status of the Atholl family whose heritage includes elements of the Murray and Stewart families, among many other Scottish nobles. Below, right, John Murray, 1st First Duke of Atholl (1660-1724).
Above, left, a 1902 portrait of Katharine Ramsay Stewart-Murray (1874-1960), wife of the 8th Duke of Atholl, who had an intriguing political career. After first opposing women's suffrage, she was elected the first Scottish woman member of the British Parliament in 1823 and served until 1938. I need to find her autobiography, Working Partnership, c. 1958.
Below, the Tea Room, set with 18th century Sevres china, awaiting the afternoon gathering. The settee and chairs are part of a group by John Gordon of London, 1753, purchased by the 2nd Duke of Atholl for £35, 10 shillings.
Below, the Tea Room, set with 18th century Sevres china, awaiting the afternoon gathering. The settee and chairs are part of a group by John Gordon of London, 1753, purchased by the 2nd Duke of Atholl for £35, 10 shillings.
Next Week a Highland Safari...
RSS Feed