Pair of Scottish Oak Hall Benches from Skibo Castle

19th century

Sold by Georgian Antiques

Description

Circa 1880, exceptional pair of Scottish carved oak hall benches made for Skibo Castle. Profusely carved with thistle designs throughout, including top rail, gables and back panels. Each seat is hinged, opening to reveal storage compartment beneath and both have red velvet deep button cushions. There is fine carving to the arms, a continuous carved thistle pattern to the front and sides with a dot background. Standing on simple turned feet.

This rare pair of benches came from Skibo Castle, Dornoch, home of the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie purchased Skibo Castle in 1898, and undertook an expensive renovation of the whole property; it remained in the family until 1982 when it was sold to hotelier Peter de Savary. It is now a prestigious private club, see more at: https://www.carnegieclub.co.uk/index.html

Physical Dimensions

Height

100cm (39.37")

Width

152cm (59.84")

Depth

53cm (20.87")

Declaration

Georgian Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA591000

Dealers Internal Reference

27363

Description

Circa 1880, exceptional pair of Scottish carved oak hall benches made for Skibo Castle. Profusely carved with thistle designs throughout, including top rail, gables and back panels.

“

Each seat is hinged, opening to reveal storage compartment beneath and both have red velvet deep button cushions.

Georgian Antiques

There is fine carving to the arms, a continuous carved thistle pattern to the front and sides with a dot background. Standing on simple turned feet.

fig 1. Pair of Scottish Oak Hall Benches from Skibo Castle

This rare pair of benches came from Skibo Castle, Dornoch, home of the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie purchased Skibo Castle in 1898, and undertook an expensive renovation of the whole property; it remained in the family until 1982 when it was sold to hotelier Peter de Savary. It is now a prestigious private club, see more at: https://www.carnegieclub.co.uk/index.html