TWO  PUTTTI  WITH  FLOWERS

Text and images © George W. Randall Research and Photographic Archive

This oil of two cupids in a circular carved 
panel by an unknown artist is displayed picture 
style in square frame, 51 x 51 inches 
(125 x 125 cms.), in a bedroom at Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum Scotland. 
The bedroom, along with two others and servant's quarters above, were 1906 additions 
to the building which was built 1897-1900
as a Highland Hunting Lodge 
for George Bullough, later Sir George, Baronet.

The work is faux tondo, (a circular fake masquerading as a masterpiece), 
and intended to be ceiling mounted.

Professionally assessed twenty-two years ago by an art conservator, the panel, 
which comprises a central horizontal join, was found to be stable but 
severely infested with woodworm which extended to the frame.

There was no sign of movement in the panel or the frame.

(Summary of professional conservators findings - March 1996.)

HAS THE INFESTATION BEEN TREATED?

HAS IT BEEN ALLOWED TO DISPERSE TO OTHER CONTENTS AND OTHER ROOMS?

Photographed October 1996. The circular panel is intended to be ceiling mounted.
It has been framed to be displayed picture style.

The surface requires cleaning and re-varnishing.

  Rampant woodworm photographed in March 2006.

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  The 1996 Report commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage noted woodworm infestation appeared active and strongly recommended immediate eradication.

Despite recommendations that the woodworm be treated, the surface cleaned and re-varnished to even the appearance, work which “could (in 1996) be undertaken on site”, 
one must ask, has anything been done?

It seems improbable the woodworm has not spread beyond the painting and now affects other items in the room. Subsequent relocation will further dissipate the problem.

Kinloch Castle and its contents belong to the Nation. 
Along with the island they were purchased with taxpayer’s money in 1957 
from Lady Bullough, widow of Sir George Bullough, Baronet. 
For over sixty years no specific body has ever been sought or appointed to oversee 
 care of the building or its contents.

Many individual items have significant monetary value, but their real value is the collection as a whole, a time capsule, taking visitors immediately back to the early 1900’s, the days of 
Good King Edward VII, before everything changed with the Great War, 1914 – 1918.
The war in which all eligible of Sir George's estate workers fought, many never to return. 

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Don't let Britain's social heritage slip away through indifference -

Express your concern by contacting:

 The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, 
St. Andrew's House, Regent Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG, Scotland
e-mail: nicola.sturgeon.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Telephone: 0141 424 1174

and / or

The Rt. Hon. David Mundell, M.P.,

Secretary of State for Scotland, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

e-mail: david.mundell.mp@parliament.uk

Photographed in March 2006.  Detail of woodworm infestation on Putti's right knee.

Posted along with all my previous articles in the interests of
raising public awareness and action to save Kinloch Castle and its unique collection 
of contents for future generations.

Together they form an important part of Britain’s late Victorian / Edwardian Highland 
social history which can still be enjoyed by student and visitor.

Don't let it slip away through indifference.

UPDATED 30 JUNE 2018

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