• Art

    In the Scottish Style

    Tonight, we will be celebrating Burns Night with a haggis supper, an occasion much enjoyed by Mr ITES who hails from across the border. In honour of this important date, we are sharing a few of our favourite paintings by celebrated Scottish portrait painter, Henry Raeburn. Born in 1756, Sir Henry started off as an apprentice to the goldsmith, James Gilliland of Edinburgh, before taking an interest in oil painting. He was self-taught, and Gilliland, keen to encourage…

  • Interiors

    Mystery interior

    Do you know where this pretty panelled room is situated? Whilst this photo is not publication-perfect, it shows the reality of photographing so many of the places we visit. The sensor on the table, is not attractive, but it plays a vital role in monitoring humidity levels in this historic building; Something I became very familiar with when I worked in a museum. The lights are actually just lamps placed on wall brackets, and we think they are…

  • Heritage

    Lost houses of England

    We were so interested to read all your comments on our post about Sutton Scarsdale. It’s clear that these derelict or lost houses of England draw passionate interest from many and have left an indelible mark on our national consciousness. Our family has connections with the lost Rushbrooke Hall in Suffolk. It was a beautiful Tudor building laid out in the shape of an E. My Grandfather once stayed there for a night whilst researching its history. The…

  • Art

    Skating into the New Year

    How are you all feeling this morning? OK, well perhaps some fresh air will help clear away any over indulgence. Let’s get our skates on and join the Reverend Robert Walker on Duddingston Loch (our thanks to The Scottish National Gallery for this iconic Caledonian painting). Or we could head to the 17th century where throngs of people are already having fun on the ice. For many the New Year heralds a fresh start, we are hoping that…