Interior. Detail of library ceiling. Digital image of C 54124.

Description Interior. Detail of library ceiling. Digital image of C 54124.

Date 5/1995

Catalogue Number SC 772383

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of C 54124

Scope and Content Detail of library ceiling, Newbattle Abbey House, Midlothian This shows part of the early 17th-century plasterwork ceiling in the library, which is divided into panels filled with applied moulded motifs. This panel has a central rosette surrounded by wavy vines and stylised clusters of grapes. Nearby panels feature decorative foliage and 'winged souls' or cherubim similar to those found on gravestones of the period. Most country houses hold a fine collection of expensive leather-bound books within a richly-decorated library. These rooms would be used by the gentlemen of the house for reading and for dealing with correspondence or business. They would also be used by guests staying at the house, and therefore served as reminders of the host's wealth and taste. Newbattle Abbey was founded by Cistercian monks in 1140, and its church dedicated to St Mary in 1233-4. It became a private residence in 1587 when the last abbot, Mark Kerr, converted to Protestantism and was able to retain his lands. His son became Lord Newbattle in 1596. The remains of the abbey are built into the surviving house, which was modified and rebuilt by the architects John Mylne (1650), William Burn (1836) and David Bryce (1858). The house was gifted to the nation in 1937 to be used as a further education college. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/772383

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap