Furniture Collection

Dumfries House is internationally renowned for its unique collection of 18th Century rococo furniture.

There are over 600 items of furniture in the Dumfries House collection, including carpets, lighting fixtures and chimney furniture. Most of the pieces remain in situ, as intended, and as such present an unrivalled opportunity to enjoy the work of the period’s finest furniture makers.

The furniture collection is exceptional and is the most important collection of works from Thomas Chippendale’s Director period and the most comprehensive range of pieces produced by important Edinburgh furniture makers Alexander Peter, William Mathie and Francis Brodie.

The Chippendale Furniture

It is widely accepted that Scotland was a testing ground for Thomas Chippendale’s early rococo furniture. Dumfries House is regarded as his key project in this era.

The house contains an array of furniture from Chippendale's important "Director" period. The era is so named because it immediately followed the first publication of his landmark book of designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director in 1754. This makes Dumfries House of great historical and cultural importance.

Significant pieces, most of which remain in their original position in the house, include The Rosewood Bookcase, The Drawing Room Seat Furniture, The Boulle Commode, The Black and Gold Lacquered Clothes Press, The Library Table, The Rococo Mirrors and The Best Bed.

The Scottish Furniture

The Scottish furniture in the house is of outstanding significance. No other museum or country house can match the content and quality of this major reference collection.

There are pieces from the workshops of the finest and most fashionable Edinburgh furniture makers. The collection includes the Lady’s Closet and overmantle glasses by Francis Brodie; Alexander Peter’s seat furniture, beds and dining room sideboard table; and carvings by William Mathie

To View more images of rooms and furniture visit Image Gallery.