View of Roe Deer Statue from south, Balmoral Castle.

Description View of Roe Deer Statue from south, Balmoral Castle.

Date 18/6/2001

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number SC 769199

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of E 15301 CN

Scope and Content Roe Deer Statue on East Parterre, Balmoral Estate, Aberdeenshire This charming, late 19th-century life-size statue of a roe deer stands at the edge of the formal garden or parterre designed c.1856 by Prince Albert and laid out before the east wing of the castle. The statue, by the Berlin sculptor, M Geiss, is probably cast in zinc, and stands on a granite base. Geiss produced life-size statues, mainly in zinc, that were designed to ornament the gardens of the landed gentry of Great Britain. He copied many original works as well as producing statues of animals, mythical beasts and domestic pets. His work was displayed at the Great Exhibition in 1851, an exhibition attended by Prince Albert, and it is possible that as a result this statue may have been commissioned for Balmoral. The Balmoral estate was bought in 1852 by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria at their own expense as a Highland retreat from the stresses of London life. Prince Albert initiated many improvements, including the building of a new holiday home, Balmoral Castle, in 1853-5, and put forward plans for a model estate with new houses and offices for estate workers and tenants. He also supervised the laying out of the grounds, including the construction of a sunken garden and formal gardens to the east and west of the castle. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/769199

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