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5 Jun 2019

Going back to the Greek

A view of a highly decorative, wooden panelled drawing room. A large mirror hangs on the wall, surrounded by gilt stencilled patterns. Blue painted wall panels are surrounded by the same design. A large blue rug covers most of the wooden floor. A piano and two chairs, with red velvet seat pads, stand beneath the mirror.
We’re restoring the unique interiors at Holmwood and sharing our progress with the public.

Known for the strong influence of ancient Greece in its architecture, Holmwood is possibly the best example of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s architectural vision and his interior designs.

From its columns and cupolas to its elegant floor-to-ceiling windows, Holmwood is one of the most compelling neo-Greek buildings from the Victorian era.

A man stands on a stepladder, working at a stencilled decoration on an orange wall at Holmwood.
The interiors are rich in colour and detail.

To conservators’ surprise and delight, Thomson’s original decorations have been uncovered – many surviving intact under layers of paint applied over the years by the house’s former owners.

These highly colourful and intricate stencilled walls are rare examples of Thomson’s interior design schemes and the only ones open to the public.

The Trust has been restoring these beautiful interiors room by room, enabling the public to see experts at work and to keep track of our progress.

To support the latest phase of this important project to protect one of Scotland’s national treasures, we’ve launched a fundraising campaign.

A view of the grand front exterior of Holmwood. It is a sandstone building, with columns and classical motifs. A large gravel area lies in front of the house.
Holmwood’s design inside and out is influenced by the classical style.

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