Dunmore Pineapple
http://www.scotland-placestovisit.com/twv//articles/90/1/Dunmore-Pineapple/Page1.html
By Vikara
Published on 17/04/2009
The Dunmore Pineapple is a remarkable structure situated in Dunmore Park. The park lies northwest of Airth, Falkirk. It
was built in the grounds of Dunmore House in 1761 by John Murray, the
4th Earl of Dunmore. It was used as a garden retreat and hothouse.
John Murray was based on Harbour Island just off the island of
Eleuthera during his lifetime.
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The Dunmore Pineapple is a remarkable structure situated in Dunmore Park. The park lies northwest of Airth, Falkirk. It was built in the grounds of Dunmore House in 1761 by John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore. It was used as a garden retreat and hothouse. John Murray was based on Harbour Island just off the island of Eleuthera during his lifetime.
Eleuthera was famous for its pineapple plantations. The pineapple became a rare delicacy in Europe after discovery by Christopher Colombus in 1493. It proved to be symbolic of power and wealth. It was soon adopted as a motif by artisans, craftsmen, and architects who sculpted railings, weather vanes, fabrics and furniture.
John Murray’s background and history explains why the Scottish Pineapple exists. The pineapple and cupola - a dome-like structure - are around forty-five feet high. The pineapple is a stunning example of the stonemason's skill at his craft. Each curving stone of the leaves is separately drained in order to prevent frost damage to the delicate structure.
The identity of the designer of the pineapple is uncertain, It is, however, often attributed to Sir William Chambers who designed similar structures at Kew Gardens.
The building was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1974 by the Countess of Perth. It is presently used to provide unique holiday accommodation. The gardens, including woodland, crab-apple orchard and pond, are open to the public throughout the year.
Opening Times
All year daily, 9.30am - sunset
Prices
Entry to the grounds is free.
Pineapple House
Dunmore Park
Airth FK2 8LS
Falkirk
Telephone - 0844 4932132
E mail - information@nts.org.uk
Visit website.
Photograph Courtesy of Kevin Rae.
The Dunmore Pineapple is a remarkable structure situated in Dunmore Park. The park lies northwest of Airth, Falkirk. It was built in the grounds of Dunmore House in 1761 by John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore. It was used as a garden retreat and hothouse. John Murray was based on Harbour Island just off the island of Eleuthera during his lifetime.
Eleuthera was famous for its pineapple plantations. The pineapple became a rare delicacy in Europe after discovery by Christopher Colombus in 1493. It proved to be symbolic of power and wealth. It was soon adopted as a motif by artisans, craftsmen, and architects who sculpted railings, weather vanes, fabrics and furniture.
John Murray’s background and history explains why the Scottish Pineapple exists. The pineapple and cupola - a dome-like structure - are around forty-five feet high. The pineapple is a stunning example of the stonemason's skill at his craft. Each curving stone of the leaves is separately drained in order to prevent frost damage to the delicate structure.
The identity of the designer of the pineapple is uncertain, It is, however, often attributed to Sir William Chambers who designed similar structures at Kew Gardens.
The building was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1974 by the Countess of Perth. It is presently used to provide unique holiday accommodation. The gardens, including woodland, crab-apple orchard and pond, are open to the public throughout the year.
Opening Times
All year daily, 9.30am - sunset
Prices
Entry to the grounds is free.
Pineapple House
Dunmore Park
Airth FK2 8LS
Falkirk
Telephone - 0844 4932132
E mail - information@nts.org.uk
Visit website.
Photograph Courtesy of Kevin Rae.