Duke of Buccleuch unveils exhibition of portrait miniatures from Buccleuch Collection

2nd July, 2014

A new exhibition of some fifty jewel-like portrait miniatures from the internationally renowned Buccleuch Collection, including some never-before-seen pieces, was launched today (Wednesday, July 2) by the Duke of Buccleuch at his Selkirk seat, Bowhill House.

The collection – co-curated by His Grace and Dr Stephen Lloyd, former Senior Curator of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and an international authority on portrait miniatures – will be exhibited at Bowhill using the latest display cabinets and lighting techniques, allowing the miniatures (regarded as the most important collection in private hands, excepting that of the Royal Collection) to be seen in their proper glory for the first time.

The collection included in the exhibition contains the famous unfinished portrait of Oliver Cromwell by Samuel Cooper and fine examples of the art form, dating back to the 1520s including a masterpiece by Hans Holbein.

Subjects depicted in the portrait miniature collection range from Kings and Queens to cats and dogs, displaying the versatility and brilliant eye for detail of these extraordinary skilled artists.

The Buccleuch Collection, which comprises a total of around 750 miniatures, will be exhibited at Bowhill House near Selkirk for the month of July for visitors to enjoy. Bowhill House will be open to visitors every day from 1^st July – 31^st July.