Abbotsford, the Study

Category

Library Item

Item no

15751

Title

Abbotsford, the Study

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1863

Size

19.1 x 12.1 cm

Type

Reproduction

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Abbotsford House near Melrose in the Scottish Borders was the home of Sir Walter Scott. The manor house was built on farmland named Cartleyhole which Scott bought in 1811. Scott renamed the land Abbotsford and added neighbouring properties to his estate. The manor house was built in 1821 after the original cottage was demolished. The manor house is built in Scots-Baronial style and due to Scott's fame was influential in the Victorian revival of the style. In order to fund work on Abbotsford, Scott took out loans from publishers which eventually threatened to bankrupt him, and forced him to sell his property on Castle Street, Edinburgh. Abbotsford was safe as Scott had passed the property to his son in 1825, with the proviso that Scott could live there rent free for the rest of his life.
More biographical information about Walter Scott can be found at Edinburgh University Library's website

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Furnishings > Furniture > Chairs

Furnishings > Furniture > Desks

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Light fixtures

Places > Scotland > Borders

Sport and leisure > Activities > Reading and books