The Goddesses of the Marble Hall: Exclusive Coasters
Meet the Goddesses
Meet Themis, Galatea, Hera and Melita.
High above the Marble Hall Gallery, 128 painted goddesses, nymphs and allegorical female figures look down over Mount Stuart.
For generations, these figures have formed part of one of the house’s most remarkable decorative schemes, admired by visitors as they look up to the ceiling above.
To honour our current main exhibition, From Brick to Building: Mount Stuart’s Development, we have designed a set of exclusive coasters. Created and chosen by Mount Stuart Archivist Lynsey Nairn ('a wonderful, though difficult task!'), the names draw inspiration from Greek mythology and reflect connections to the house, the Isle of Bute and the values that continue to shape Mount Stuart today.
- Themis, goddess of order and justice, was selected for her association with stewardship and care.
- Galatea, a sea nymph, celebrates Bute’s island setting and enduring connection to the sea.
- Hera, queen of the gods, was chosen for her regal status and her appearance in artwork created for the From Brick to Building campaign.
- Melita, a sea nymph from Greek mythology, reflects the mysteries of the ocean; her name, derived from meli meaning honey, evokes sweetness and the beauty of nature.
The next time you visit the Marble Hall Gallery, take a moment to look up. Among the 128 goddesses above, you may just spot Themis, Galatea, Hera and Melita.
A set of exclusive coasters featuring the four named goddesses is available from the Roundhouse Ticket Office and Family Entrance Gift Shop, priced £16.
Photograhs by Hayley Louise McGuire
