Paintings, Fine Furniture, Silver and Objects d'Arts

The painting collection is outstanding ranging from an exceptional series of family portraits by Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds including the latter’s iconic Lady Caroline Scott as ‘Winter’, to fine landscapes by Claude and Ruysdael, including a set of Italian views by Guardi and Pannini and an exceptional Canaletto of London.

A small sampling of the huge collection of Portrait Miniatures is on display including works by Hans Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard and Samuel Cooper, including the latter’s famous unfinished portrait of Oliver Cromwell. Portraits of family dogs and children however have just as much of a place in what was always intended as home for comfortable 19th century living. Indeed the atmosphere is enhanced by this blend of grandeur and cosines, great 17th century German Baroque writing desks nestling beside everyday sofas and chairs. A massive candelabra in silver by Robert Garrad tells the origin of the family title, whilst a room devoted to the family’s kinsman, the great writer Sir Walter Scott tells of their close ties with his phenomenal rise to fame and their deep friendship.