The Portrait Miniature Collection

The Exhibition

The collection was co-curated by Duke Richard, the current Duke of Buccleuch, and Dr Stephen Lloyd.  Dr Lloyd is a former Senior Curator of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and an international authority on portrait miniatures.   The miniatures are displayed using the latest cabinets and lighting techniques. This allows the collection to be seen in their proper glory for the first time.

The Portrait Miniature Collection

The collection is regarded as the most important collection in private hands, excepting that of the Royal Collection.  It features the famous unfinished portrait of Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper.  There are also fine examples of the art form, dating back to the 1520s including a masterpiece by Hans Holbein. Subjects shown in the portrait miniature collection range from Kings and Queens to cats and dogs.   This displays the versatility and brilliant eye for detail of the extraordinary skilled artists.  Discover more about the Buccleuch Collection on a guided tour of Bowhill.