National Museum of Costume object detail banner

National Museums Scotland

Dining room

It's 1895, and family members are gathering for a summer evening party.

The gentleman and lady of the house in evening wear are ready to welcome further guests. A cold collation is already laid out, whilst the butler is arranging glasses on the side table.

Costumes on display

Highlights include a beautiful selection of evening dresses and also a mourning dress, of black satin, trimmed with jet. The mourning process in Edwardian and Victorian society followed a strict code, lasting in total at least two and a half years.

Furniture and paintings

Furniture and paintings include a rosewood sideboard by Alexander Burgess, about 1890, a marble clock and matching vases, part of the original 19th century furnishings of the room, and an oak inlaid plinth, one of a pair designed by William Burges for Ruthin Castle, Wales, and is dated 1853. Also in the Dining Room is a portrait of Bethia Donaldson, the second wife of William Stewart (1750-1844) and mother of the William Stewart, who built Shambellie.

Lady and gentleman in the dining room at Shambellie House

This maroon velvet dress was originally made around 1890 with a day bodice with a high neck and long sleeves. The evening bodice on display was made later in 1894-5.