Conserving our outdoor collections

Collections are an important part of our historic properties. While we often think of them in relation to paintings, ceramics, books, and various artefacts found in our magnificent houses and castles, we also have a vast collection of urns, fountains, sundials and other various items in our care and on display in our gardens and estates.

As part of ongoing conservation efforts, we have been assessing, cataloguing, preparing condition reports, and identifying priorities. We are now ready to begin the conservation and stabilisation of many of these significant items. Thanks to the generosity of the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, a grant has been secured to hire a specialist in stonework conservation and other experts who will support this work over the coming years.

In 2025, we will focus on ’key listed’ features to ensure they are consolidated and repaired. An example is the magnificent limestone urn or vessel at Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate. This item was gifted to the Trust in 1970 by Calder House and is rare in its material and composition. The design depicts images from Greek mythology and other mythological creatures. It’s showing signs of age and has many defects that need addressing, while further research can be undertaken into its history.

In 2015, work was undertaken on wall sculptures at Leith Hall, Garden & Estate, which included repairs to ’the serpent’. Dowels were utilised to secure the sculpture to the wall, and traditional pointing was used to replace the cement mortar that had previously held the piece in place. Research has revealed that ’the serpent’ is actually a dachshund, as the Leith family owned dogs in the early 20th century, leading us to believe that it’s a carving of a beloved pet from the family! 

The statue of Fame, a prominent feature of the formal garden at Leith Hall, is currently undergoing conservation. The statue, representing the goddess of fame in both Greek and Roman mythology, is being assessed and repaired. Investigations have indicated that the statue has been placed on an inappropriate plinth, which has negatively impacted its condition. Furthermore, the statue shows signs of cracking and has been sent for expert evaluation and repairs that include lead welding.