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september 2018



Putting the Art before the Cart



There was a welcome new addition to Mellerstain this summer in the shape of a lovely new retail space which showcases some of the finest artists and craftworkers in the Borders. Located in an old cart shed in the East Courtyard, which until not so long ago was used to house a family horse carriage plus an accumulation of junk!


Always keen to improve our overall visitor experience, we recognise that our visitors are people with an appreciation of fine art and decorative art. It seemed natural therefore, that not only should we create a new Mellerstain shop but that it would celebrate the talented artists and craftworkers who live and work in this special part of the country.


Mellerstain has been well known for hosting a series of summer exhibitions in the Gallery in the House for many years and Lady Jane Haddington has been personally responsible for organising these. This has meant that Lady Jane has got to know and appreciate many local artists and craftworkers very well and this has undoubtedly been the inspiration behind the new shop. Lady Jane has managed the conversion and carefully sourced the paintings, ceramics, glass-work, fabrics and jewellery from many of the same artists who have previously exhibited in the House. Despite being on a much smaller scale, this was the perfect opportunity to provide visitors with a taste of what the summer exhibitions have brought to Mellerstain over the years.



An artist who has always contributed to our exhibitions is Selkirk based Alan Cameron, known for his landscapes, Alan’s figurative style of work is in oil pastels. In fact, Alan was our artist in residence a few years ago and we are delighted to offer limited edition prints from pastels of the grounds throughout the seasons at Mellerstain.


Janet Cleghorn is a Galashiels based artist whose mixed media still life paintings feature “treasures” – textile samples, china, old bottles which have been collected over the years. Fruit and flowers are placed with these to give freshness to the groupings. The importance of the fabrics and their construction within the paintings reflect Janet’s past in textile design.



Award winning artist Moy Mackay who is based in Peebles fuels her passion for colour and texture with an unceasing inspiration drawn from her surroundings in the beautiful Tweed Valley. She uses merino fleece fibres in the same way that a painter uses brushstrokes. The result is a “felt painting” of extraordinary warmth and texture.


Helen Tabor from Lilliesleaf is widely recognised as both a land and sea-scape artist. A truly gifted artist, Helen's paintings are owned and collected internationally. Her fluid use of texture and colour combined with a delicate and insightful interpretation of the world around create landscapes which are expressive and abstract and hold something more enigmatic.


Mooie Scott is an abstract artist who works within and through the landscape to create paintings which use a mixture of mediums, usually oil paint and natural materials. This captures the vibrant beauty, colour and texture of our natural surroundings.



​If its stunning glassware that you are looking for, we have pieces from Lindean Mill Glass, this glass studio has an international reputation and is renowned for contemporary-designed tableware and collections of vessels for interior settings. And collectors are always excited by the latest work from Julia Linstead of Coldstream including Julia's renowned and gorgeous sandblasted bowls.


We also have a range of sought after ceramics from Linda Kinsman Blake at Smailholm and delightfully quirky silver jewellery from Robyn Kinsman Blake which is inspired by the natural world and features hares, birds and a charming little birdhouse necklace.


A collection which is proving incredibly popular with visitors, we have a wide range of colourful woollens and textiles from Green Grove Weavers including gloves, hats, caps, mittens and berets. And last but certainly not least, we have a range of unique Mellerstain Tartan cushions. Velvet backed, they are made from the ‘Hunting Hamilton’ tartan that our Tour Guides wear, a Mellerstain variation and colourway that has been woven locally, that is a unique to us.


With a range of quality souvenirs, cards and colourful items and toys for children, there really is something for everyone in our new Mellerstain shop.


As we mentioned in the introduction, we know that our visitors have an appreciation of arts and crafts and we are delighted to be able to showcase a collection of beautiful work, the majority of which has been created right here in the Borders.


As you wander through our Courtyard, perhaps for a coffee or on your way to a walk in the grounds, be sure to pop in and take a look at the lovely work on display. This is the ideal opportunity to take home a truly unique souvenir of the Borders.


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Mellerstain House, Gordon, Scottish Borders TD3 6LG
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