Featured event

The Ceramic Collection at Dumfries House

09 November

Lecturer on ceramics, Miranda Bowles, and ceramics conservator, Charlotte Culham, will lead this engaging study day. An introductory morning lecture by Miranda will be followed by an exclusive tour in the afternoon where the exciting and little known collection of Dumfries House will be studied first hand.

Events Calendar

September

Furniture Study Day

7th September

Furniture Study Day Introduction to 18th Century Furniture with David Jones: The Thomas Chippendale and Scottish Collections at Dumfries House. Furniture Historian and Lecturer at St. Andrews University, David Jones, will lead both of these exciting study days. The programme is designed to provide an introduction to the ‘Shakespeare’ of the furniture makers and a first-hand look at the most outstanding pieces in the Dumfries House collection. Participants will gain an understanding of Chippendale’s involvement with Scotland in the early part of his career. They will also get an appreciation of the furniture of the so-called ‘Director‘ period and the role of Dumfries House in the stylistic development of Chippendale. Includes morning refreshments and lunch.

Behind the Scenes Tour and Supper

22nd September

Behind the Scenes Tour with Supper: This special Tour will begin with a Champagne Reception and Introduction by Dumfries House Curator, Charlotte Rostek. A specially extended Tour will include many areas of the house not normally viewed by the public. Following the Tour, we will proceed to The Rothesay Room for a candle-lit two course supper with wine followed by coffee and petits fours. Last year’s event was a sell out, so early booking is recommended. Perhaps your last chance to visit before the House returns to a period of slumber over the winter months.

October

History Study Day

12th October

History of Dumfries House Study Day with Simon Green, “I think Dumfries House is the homeliest of them all” Simon Green is an architectural historian who is passionate about discovering how and why buildings are transformed by different generations. He lectures and leads tours throughout the country always focusing on and celebrating the wonders that buildings, their designers and their owners have to offer. He works for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and is writing the story of the development of Dumfries House from its inception by the Earl of Dumfries to the present day. Includes morning refreshments and lunch.

Outside In

31st October

‘Outside-in’ - Seasonal Highlights: This tour is designed to let you enjoy the best of all worlds: sample the history and the beauty of the Dumfries Estate on a guided walk before sitting down for a hearty lunch in our new cafe. Once refreshed, take in the highlights from our unique collection and feast your eyes on some stunning 18th century artefacts. Environmental Coordinator Bill Russell and Dumfries House Curator Charlotte Rostek will be your enthusiastic and informative guides. Bring a change of footwear and some sensible outdoor clothing. Places are limited for this popular tour, so please book early.

November

History Study Day

9th November

Lecturer on ceramics, Miranda Bowles, and ceramics conservator, Charlotte Culham, will lead this engaging study day. An introductory morning lecture by Miranda will be followed by an exclusive tour in the afternoon where the exciting and little known pieces in the collection of Dumfries House will be studied first hand. There will be an opportunity to get close to examples from China, Japan, Europe and England all of which were acquired by the successive owners of Dumfries House with some pieces going back as far as 250 years. Whether an expert, a novice, a student or professional, we look forward to welcoming participants from all backgrounds. Includes morning refreshments and lunch.