The Country House Podcast

Geoffrey Heath-Taylor co-hosts the wonderful podcast series The Country House Podcast, alongside his co-host Rory Fraser. Here they discuss all things country houses, shining a light on the profiles of these estates, not only as aesthetic assets to the British countryside, but also as important historical monuments and essential parts of our national heritage and identity.

Over the summer, Geoffrey and Rory visited Scone Palace to learn more about their collection and the important conservation work that they do.

Listen to the podcast here:

Scone Palace

Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most iconic historic homes, stands as a symbol of the nation’s royal heritage. The home of the Stone of Destiny, it is famously known as the crowning place of Scottish kings, including the legendary Robert the Bruce. Today, it remains the family home of the Earls of Mansfield, showcasing an extraordinary collection of art, furniture, and artefacts that span centuries.

Among the Palace’s most treasured pieces is a fascinating portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle and her cousin, Lady Elizabeth Murray. Once misattributed, it is now credited to the Scottish artist David Martin. This exceptional painting is historically significant as one of the earliest known depictions of a black woman presented as an equal alongside a white aristocrat. Its re-evaluation has brought global attention, shedding light on narratives of race, identity, and social change in 18th-century Britain.

Visitors to the Palace are captivated by the Long Gallery, where historic portraits hang alongside priceless Vernis Martin vases and exquisite 18th-century furnishings. One of the most remarkable pieces in the collection is a writing desk by Jean-Henri Riesener, commissioned by Marie Antoinette. This particular desk was gifted by the Queen of France to her close friend, the 2nd Earl of Mansfield, and today, it proudly graces the palace drawing room.

The Palace’s collection extends beyond art and furniture. Mary, Queen of Scots' bed hangings and an 1813 Thomas Elliot organ are among its rarest and most evocative displays, connecting visitors to Scotland’s turbulent royal past. Open from April to October, Scone Palace continues to be a living museum, preserving history while engaging with contemporary audiences.

Caring for the Collection

Dedicated to preserving, researching, and reinterpreting its world-class collection, through ongoing conservation and innovative interpretation, the team at Scone Palace is able to ensure the Palace remains relevant and inspiring for generations to come.

One of their most significant achievements is the re-evaluation of the Dido Belle and Elizabeth Murray portrait. Extensive research confirmed their relationship as cousins, reframing the painting as a vital early representation of racial equality in European art. By highlighting Dido Belle’s story, they are able to engage visitors in meaningful conversations about heritage, social justice, and identity.

The portrait collection also celebrates individuals who shaped Britain’s history. The first Earl of Mansfield, for instance, played a pivotal role in codifying British law and advancing the abolition of slavery. His portrait and related artefacts provide a platform for exploring the evolution of justice and human rights.

Restoration is at the heart of their mission, and as such they are currently focused on reviving the Palace’s silk brocade wall coverings, which were damaged during World War II. Because the original patterns and looms survive in Lyon, France, they have the rare opportunity to return these historic interiors to their former glory using traditional methods and modern conservation practices.

Innovation drives the visitor experience at Scone Palace. QR codes now give guests instant access to deeper content, guided tours are available in multiple languages, and audio guides are in development to improve accessibility. The new audio-visual space reimagines the Scone Story, providing immersive, fresh perspectives on the Palace’s past.

Through meticulous care, storytelling, and technological enhancement, the custodians of Scone Palace are breathing new life into this historic collection. These efforts ensure that Scone Palace not only preserves Scotland’s royal heritage but also invites contemporary audiences to engage with its remarkable past.

The winner of this year's award will be announced this November. Stay tuned as we announce other shortlist contenders over the next few weeks.