Art Treasures of Kinloch Castle

GRINLING GIBBONS’

LIMEWOOD CARVED SCREEN

Researched, written and illustrated by George W. Randall

co-founder in July 1996 and former

Vice Chairman of Kinloch Castle Friends' Association.

Understood to be part of the original commissioned by Sir Christopher Wren

to grace the approach to the grand staircase at Wandsworth Manor House, London,

home of Princess Anne, later Queen Anne of England, Scotland and Ireland.

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Grinling Gibbons, one of the most famous woodcarvers of all time, was born in Rotterdam to English parents in 1648 and moved to Great Britain in his early twenties. Blessed and recognised with an extraordinary talent to mold and shape wood, mostly limewood, he attracted a series of influential patrons including Sir Christopher Wren, King George II and King William III, who was so impressed with Gibbons' work he gave him the title "Master Carver". Gibbons died in 1720.

The magnificent six arch screen in Lady Bullough's bedroom at Kinloch Castle is understood to be part of the original commissioned by Wren to grace the approach to the grand staircase at Wandsworth Manor House, a gift from King Charles II to his niece, Princess Anne of York (from 1702-1707 Queen Anne and last monarch of the House of Stuart), upon her marriage in July 1683 to Prince George of Denmark.
Anne, born 1665, was daughter of James, Duke of York, later King of England and Ireland as James II and King of Scotland as James VII. He was the younger brother of King Charles II.

Following demolition of Wandsworth House in the late 1880's the screen was installed at the "residential and sporting estate of Bishopswood, (built in 1844), a picturesque mansion between Ross and Monmouth" owned by millionaire, philanthropist and racehorse owner, Colonel Harry Blundell McCalmont. Sir George Bullough owned Bishopswood from 1906 until 1910 during which time he removed six of the original arches, three each to line opposing walls in what became seventy year old Lady Bullough's bedroom following her husband's death in July 1939, it being the custom of Victorian ladies to remove from the marital bedchamber at that time. The bedroom, part of the 1906 west wing addition to Kinloch Castle, was more recently used as the Visitor's Sitting Room.
The Grinling Gibbons screen adorns opposing walls and has been painted white.

From Country Life.

THE PAINTINGS IN THE BEDROOM:

BELOW: Attributed to the Dutch School, measuring 114 x 197 cms., (45 x 79 inches), the oil on wood panel against the rear wall depicts three putti (male cherubs) on a three tier stone plinth against a vase of flowers. The one on the right is blowing soap bubbles through a straw from a bowl in his left hand; the putti left extends his right hand to catch one.
The painting has been moulded into the interior wall finish to hide a single pane window which overlooks the central courtyard.
Professionally appraised in 1996 the work was described as "structurally sound throughout" but "the surface grubby with stains in the upper left hand corner." Auctioneers Phillips valued the painting in 1996 at £2,400.
The painting is still located in its original setting but the doorway (immediately right) meant it was prone to scuffs from visitors and guests, the room being latterly used as the visitor's sitting room.

BELOW: Visible left through the bed canopy and titled Vase and Flowers

is a second Dutch School oil on wood panel, 72 x 83 cms., (30 x 36 inches).

The painted panel is glued to a secondary larger panel constructed of two or more sections and when professionally appraised in 1996, was found to be suffering "recent and extensive woodworm damage" with the recommendation that the woodworm damage be assessed, treated, surface dirt removed and the work re-varnished. Art Appraisers Phillips valued the painting in 1996 at £1,500.
Lady Bullough recalled in an interview that both paintings originated at Wandsworth Manor House and were acquired prior to its demolition.

The painting was removed many years ago to make a doorway through to the north wing to comply with fire regulations. Since then it has languished in numerous rooms, unprotected and directly on the floor.

NOTE: The remaining Gibbons arches are still to be found in the grand entrance hall at Bishopswood House, Ross-on-Wye, which today is used as a country guest house.