At nearly 100 feet high from the
ground floor to the top of its staggering vaulted ceiling decorated
with the Campbell Clan shield
motifs, this vast vertical space is
top-lit by the central tower and by
the ornate candelabra, with walls
and niches decorated with displays
of shining arms and suits of armour.
At the top of the stairs lies the
visitor’s book. Take a look at the
signatures of Judi Dench and Billy
Connolly, who starred together in
the film Mrs. Brown, which was made
at the castle.
The stunning Chinese drawing
room is part of a suite of rooms
formerly known as the Chinese
Rooms, named for the Chinese
wallpaper and silk panels. It is the
room that received Queen Victoria’s
greatest praise. Here, as well as in the
adjoining anteroom, the beautiful
ceilings, painted and gilded in the
style of illuminated manuscripts
from the 14th century and featuring
scenes illustrating the Breadalbane
family, have been restored to their
original glory.
The original painting took an
incredible seven years to complete.
When the sunlight streams through
the windows, it brings to life the
warm, rich lustre of the satin wood
panelling. Above the fireplace, the
Breadalbane motto, “Follow Me”,
is visible in intricate carved letters.
As well as gold gilding on the
ceiling mouldings, some have silver
ornamentation, which does not
tarnish. On the way to the Chinese
ante-drawing room with its white
marble fireplace, one is greeted with
another beautiful parquet floor and
a mirrored overmantel, with fine
52
gold leaf depicting the Breadalbane
armorial bearings.
The Banner Hall was designed by
James Gillespie Graham to provide
a route between the two parts of
the castle. Although the spacious
room was originally intended to be
used as a chapel, it was turned into
a state dining room and given its
title because of the large silk banner
hangings.
The Banner Hall’s ceiling is quite
amazing, depicting 92 coats of arms
of the families connected in marriage
to the Breadalbanes. The Breadalbane
coat of arms can be seen in each
emblem and on the parquet
flooring. The key feature of the room,
however, is the huge fireplace, carved
in an almost unbelievable fashion
from local chlorite slate. Its intricate
3-dimensional features would be
almost impossible to create today,
such is the level of expertise involved.
The Banner Hall was used for a
grand ball during Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert’s honeymoon visit,
when four gentlemen dancing reels
(a traditional Scottish country dance)
entertained the royal couple. In the
film Mrs. Brown, the Banner Hall was
used as a sumptuous setting for a
ball, which the film’s plot had taking
place at Balmoral.
Like the Banner Room, the library
was also used in the film, standing
in as Balmoral’s library. The room
reflects the work of James Gillespie
Graham at his best. The detailed
carving was carried out by Trotters, a
company from Edinburgh, with the
dark brown wood adding a fantastic
intensity to the abundance of gilding.
The influence of Pugin - the designer
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