China & Glass

Duff House is fortunate to have in its core collections and on display a varied and unusual collection of glass and china. These pieces were collected by Magdalene Sharp Erskine in the 18th and 19th century. Her portrait as an old lady at the end of her life can be seen alongside the display cases which are full of beautiful treasures to delight the eye.

As the youngest child in a family of three sons and four daughters, Magdalene probably enjoyed more independence and freedom than her older siblings. She lived during a time when young ladies from good families were educated to a limited degree but the children's books which have survived in the library, which is also on display in the House, suggests she was well-educated in the sciences and languages as well as the more traditional subjects of music and painting.

Magdalene's personal collection of glass, metalwork and ceramics reflect a personal and informed taste. They have come from all over the world, possibly bought at sales or brought back to Scotland by her older brothers from their travels abroad.

Striking and very life-like portraits of Magdalene's father and her brothers captured in miniature, marble and in silhouette, can also be seen in the House.