Pearl in the Oyster: 30th Anniversary Monthly Pop-up Displays
Monthly from April to October
Location: Mount Stuart
Pearl in the Oyster: 30th Anniversary Monthly Pop-up Displays
2025 marks 30 years of Mount Stuart House & Gardens being open to the public. As part of our celebrations of this momentous occasion, we are delighted to place on display special spaces and fascinating objects from The Bute Collection at Mount Stuart every month - some of which have never been on display before.
Pearls are the traditional gift given to mark 30th anniversaries, and many items in the Bute Collection at Mount Stuart feature lustrous pearls and mother-of-pearl. Our wonderful Guiding Team bring the House & Gardens to life for our visitors every year, and they have voted for their favourite items related to pearls, anniversaries and celebrations to be featured in our monthly pop-up displays this year.
April: The Tulloch Mazer
Mazers are communal drinking vessels, shared during feasts and celebrations, and the Tulloch Mazer (dating to c.1557) is the earliest fully hall-marked and definitely ascribed piece of Scottish silver in existence.
May: Nautilus Shell Flasks
These twinned filigree-mounted nautilus shell flasks are each on spreading circular bases, and were likely made in South India or Goa in the early 19th Century.
May: Lord Bute's Cutlery Set
This exquisite silver and mother-of-pearl cutlery was commissioned by the 3rd Marquess of Bute, designed by William Burges, and made by Barkentin and Krall in 1879. Learn more about the Lord Bute's Cutlery Set in Mount Stuart's 30th Anniversary Edition Guidebook, and view the spectacular set by booking your House & Gardens ticket today.
The Bute Collection at Mount Stuart's historic records, books, fine and decorative art are at the heart of the character and magical atmosphere of Mount Stuart, and we are delighted to be sharing these remarkable objects during our anniversary year - the pearls within the oyster of Mount Stuart House & Gardens.
Plan Your Visit today, and don't miss this special chance to view Lord Bute's exquisite Cutlery Set during June!
