Detail of plaster ceiling. Digital image of B 38756.

Description Detail of plaster ceiling. Digital image of B 38756.

Date 1950 to 1960

Collection Papers of George Hay, architect, Edinburgh, Scotland

Catalogue Number SC 774396

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of B 38756

Scope and Content Detail of plasterwork in the Tapestry Room, Prestonfield House, No 71 Priestfield Road, Edinburgh This shows part of the 17th-century plasterwork cornice in the Tapestry Room. Scrolling foliage and flowers enclose a grapevine, whilst grotesque masks, cupids and a lion's head crowned by flowers hide amongst the leaves. The plasterwork is said to be by the Italian craftsmen who worked on the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or more probably their Scottish assistants, as the work is much more naïve in style. This was originally the drawing room, and was therefore richly decorated to reflect the status of the occupants. Apart from the elaborate plaster ceiling, the room contains a series of 18th century tapestries, family portraits and an ornate fireplace, all of which would be seen by visitors 'withdrawing' here after dinner. Prestonfield House was rebuilt for Sir James Dick in 1687 by the architect Sir William Bruce (c.1630-1710) after being burnt down during a student riot in 1681. A single-storeyed extension was added in c.1830, and in 1890 architects MacGibbon & Ross added a bathroom extension. Within the grounds is an unusual circular stable block built in 1816 to designs by James Gillespie Graham (1777-1855). The house has been run as a hotel since 1959. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Accession Number 1991/27

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/774396

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap