The Spirit of Threave
The Spirit of Threave is an installation at the entrance of the National Trust for Scotland Threave Gardens, Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway. Sited in front of the Visitor Centre, between the main drive and the car park, it comprises eleven wrought iron panels designed to offer a taste of things to come for the visitor.
I was commissioned by the NTS to create this piece of work and asked to celebrate all the wonderful elements of the Garden and Estate which make this property so special. The variety of wildlife at Threave is tremendous and notably includes red squirrels, roe deer, otters, hares, bats and ospreys. The Threave Bat Reserve, the first of it’s kind in Scotland, boasts 7 of the 9 known species in Scotland. An opportunity to see ospreys nesting close to Threave Castle on the river Dee draws summer visitors and ornithologists from far and wide. There can be few nature enthusiasts unaware of the increasing rarity of red squirrels. Threave’s daffodil collection is a stunning sight in April showcasing over 200 cultivars. Their original planting by Major Gordon dates back to his return from the First World War when he undertook gardening therapy to counter his traumatic experiences in battle. The buildings also deserve mention - Threave House is a grand B-listed baronial mansion featuring a traditional drum tower and who can resist the mighty Threave Castle built in 1364 by Archibald the Grim to the height of a 10-storey block of flats! Last but not least is the Scottish Thistle, proud emblem of Scotland and, incidentally, of the National Trust for Scotland itself.
There are eleven panels in total, each 6' high and 3' wide. My designs (www.sue-thomas.co.uk) were constructed by Michael Curtis, Blacksmith, of Kirkcudbright (www.smithandcurtisblacksmiths.co.uk) and finished in their beautiful metallic coating by Highland Coatings, Cumbernauld (www.higalv.co.uk). They are available as greetings cards and mounted images and will soon be available for sale in the NTS shop at Threave.
I was commissioned by the NTS to create this piece of work and asked to celebrate all the wonderful elements of the Garden and Estate which make this property so special. The variety of wildlife at Threave is tremendous and notably includes red squirrels, roe deer, otters, hares, bats and ospreys. The Threave Bat Reserve, the first of it’s kind in Scotland, boasts 7 of the 9 known species in Scotland. An opportunity to see ospreys nesting close to Threave Castle on the river Dee draws summer visitors and ornithologists from far and wide. There can be few nature enthusiasts unaware of the increasing rarity of red squirrels. Threave’s daffodil collection is a stunning sight in April showcasing over 200 cultivars. Their original planting by Major Gordon dates back to his return from the First World War when he undertook gardening therapy to counter his traumatic experiences in battle. The buildings also deserve mention - Threave House is a grand B-listed baronial mansion featuring a traditional drum tower and who can resist the mighty Threave Castle built in 1364 by Archibald the Grim to the height of a 10-storey block of flats! Last but not least is the Scottish Thistle, proud emblem of Scotland and, incidentally, of the National Trust for Scotland itself.
There are eleven panels in total, each 6' high and 3' wide. My designs (www.sue-thomas.co.uk) were constructed by Michael Curtis, Blacksmith, of Kirkcudbright (www.smithandcurtisblacksmiths.co.uk) and finished in their beautiful metallic coating by Highland Coatings, Cumbernauld (www.higalv.co.uk). They are available as greetings cards and mounted images and will soon be available for sale in the NTS shop at Threave.
