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Buildings

Basic Site Details

Dumfries House
Cumnock (near)
Ayrshire
A listed
Scotland
The house was designed by the Adam brothers (Robert, John and James). Contract drawings signed by all three.

Plaster work by Philip Robertson a cousin of the Adam brothers. Firegrates by David Robertson, brother of Philip.

Building Type Classification

The building is classified under the following categories:

Class classic

ClassificationOriginal ClassificationNotes
Mansion houseNot Known

Events

The following date-based events are associated with this building:

event classic

Event TypeFromToNotes
Build/construction17541760
Alterations and additions186West wing, Turkish bath
Alterations and additions1867Main block, redecoration of entrance hall and north parlour. Carried out by Campbell & Smith.
Survey1894Survey carried out
Plans drawn up1895Designs produced for alterations and enlargement
Alterations and additions1896c1897cMain block: redecoration and alterations to bedroom floor, toplighting of corridor etc
Plans drawn up1897/02Revisions to proposals for enlargement
Addition1897/051908Enlargement of west wing, tapestry room, book room schoolroom, smoking room, west corridor. Scheme finalised May 1897. Contracts October 1897. (William Swanston clerk of works, details modelled by Lawrence Turner, lead work, clock dial William Dodd. Also main block: strenghtening and partial replacement of first floor in steel and concrete.
Addition18991905East wing enlargement to provide new chapel. East corridor, final scheme, April 1899 and May 1899. William Swanston clerk of works.
1899/051900Proposed Chinese bridge over River Lugar reusing abutments of previous iron bridge (not built)
19031905Demolition of Turkish bath; new billiard room and smoking room; alterations to Tapestry room
1906Chapel: marble lining (left incomplete)
Alterations and additions19131914Minor alterations to attics and roof structure replaced
Proposed1928Reconstruction of Schultz's chapel proposed.
19341935Chapel dismantled and space in basement converted to library and on first floor into dining room

People

Design and Construction

The following individuals or organisations have carried out design/construction work. Where architects or practices worked together, matching letters appear beside their names in the Partnership Group column.

design classic

PersonPartnership GroupRoleFromToNotes
William AdamLArchitect174Drew up initial designs.
James AdamSArchitect17541759
John AdamSArchitect17541759Continued designs after his father\'s death in 1748. Also designed large frame above chimneypiece and Avenue Bridge.
Robert AdamSArchitect17541759
William Atkinson RailtonHArchitect186West wing, Turkish bath
William Atkinson RailtonJArchitect1868Main block, redecoration of entrance hall and north parlour. Carried out by Campbell & Smith.
Robert Weir SchultzB18951906Major additions and alterations (see 'Event' for full list)
William McClellandB18951895Major additions and alterations - as draughtsman to R W Schultz
Allan Stevenson19131914Minor alterations to attics and roof structure replaced
Arthur Forman Balfour PaulC19341935Chapel dismantled and space in basement converted to library and on first floor into dining room
Rowand Anderson & PaulC1934Chapel dismantled and space in basement converted to library and on first floor into dining room
Archibald CrawfordKArchitect1968Restoration. Dining room (proposed reduction in size, not carried out, coffering in Venetian window alcove which was executed)
Ian Alexander SinclairKArchitect1968Restoration. Dining room (proposed reduction in size, not carried out, coffering in Venetian window alcove which was executed)
John Crowe McBrideKArchitect1968Restoration. Dining room (proposed reduction in size, not carried out, coffering in Venetian window alcove which was executed)
John Watson (junior)KArchitect1968Restoration. Dining room (proposed reduction in size, not carried out, coffering in Venetian window alcove which was executed)

Clients

The following individuals or organisations have commissioned work on this building/design:

client classic

NameNotes
Dalrymple, William - 4th Earl of DumfriesOriginal building, 1754-59
Bute, 4th Marquess of (John Crichton-Stuart)Additions and alterations between 1903 and 1935
Bute, 3rd Marquess ofAdditions and alterations between 1895 and 1903

Related Buildings, Structures and Designs

Child Structures

This structure or site has the following component or child structures (click on an item to view details):

Child classic

NotesName
Dumfries House, Lodge

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this building:

bio ref classic

AuthorYearTitlePartPublisherNotes
Close, Rob and Riches, Anne2012The Buildings of Scotland: Ayrshire & ArranNew Haven and London: Yale University Pressp295-6, 298-302
Close, Robert1992Ayrshire and Arran, an Illustrated Architectural GuideEdinburgh: RIASp140-1
Colvin, Howard2008A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840London: YUP. 4th edition
Davis, Michael C1991The Castles and Mansions of AyrshireArdrishaig, Argyll: privately publishedpp245-6
Green, Simon2014Dumfries House: an architectural storyEdinburgh: RCAHMSpp166-167, 187-196, 197-201, 202-204, 213, 218-219, 228, note 73
RIBA1970RIBA Directory 1970
Ruddock, Ted1979Arch Bridges 1735-1835p118
Stamp, Gavin1981Robert Weir Schultz, Architect, and his work for the Marquesses of Bute London: The Curwen Press / Mount Stuartpp33-6 (quotes letter of 11 August 1934 at Mount Stuart)
Taylor, Kristina and Peel, Robert1021Passion, plants and patronage: 300 years of Bute Family LandscapesArtifice Bookspp149-150

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this building:

arc ref classic

SourceNameCat NumberItem NameNotes
Ayrshire Archives (from February 2007)Darley- Hay Partnership archivePlans/drawings by Robert Weir Schultz and Allan Stevenson
Mitchell Library GlasgowOffice Plans and drawings of Watson, Salmond & GrayTD 1155550Boxes A, B, C
Mount StuartBute ArchivesLetter books, 1895 onwards; drawings
Historic Environment ScotlandListed Buildings Register14413Dumfries House