At Taymouth Castle, the artistry of stained glass reveals a rich tapestry of history and craftsmanship. Scottish artisans, Rainbow Glass, are one of two specialists entrusted with this conservation work. In this update we take a look at these efforts.

Phase one: The Grand Staircase

The first phase of work concerned the meticulous preservation of eight windows at the top of the Grand Staircase. These were commissioned by the first Marquess and crafted by William Collins in 1812.

Grand Staircase

The stained glass here depicts the coats of arms of the Campbells of Breadalbane and Glenorchy and their relatives and intertwines with the castle’s ornate plasterwork by Francis Bernasconi. This style of heraldry is featured heavily throughout the castle in all its decoration.

Phase Two: Gothic grandeur

Baron’s Hall

Phase two concerns the significant conservation of three nineteenth-century Gothic lanterns in the Baron’s Hall and five stained-glass windows from the Banner Hall to stunning effect. Of note is the Banner Hall Window featuring late fifteenth/early sixteenth-century-stained glass, including panels depicting the Tree of Jesse motif and heraldic imagery.

Banner Hall

The meticulous restoration process has unveiled intriguing insights into the provenance and origins of these exquisite treasures. With help from stained glass historians, the panels were traced back to the Augsburg stained glass workshop in Germany and the Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary in Schwaz, Tyrol, Austria.

As the conservation efforts continue, Taymouth Castle’s narrative evolves, offering a captivating journey through time and craftsmanship.