SCOTLANDS GREATEST PALACE The treasures of Hamilton Palace

Hamilton Palace, located in South Lanarkshire, was historically among the most distinguished country estates in the British Isles, boasting an impressive array of exceptional art, furniture, and decor. This captivating presentation will explore and showcase how the Dukes of Hamilton, Scotland’s foremost nobles, expanded the palace and gathered their remarkable collections, crafting one of Europe’s most lavish displays of influence, riches, and refinement. Starting from the 16th century, Dr. Godfrey Evans, a renowned expert and Principal Curator of European Decorative Arts at National Museums Scotland, will detail the palace’s architectural evolution through to the 19th century, highlighting the stunning interiors adorned with black marble, extensive gold leaf, colorful furnishings, and unique decorative elements that together formed a breathtaking masterpiece. The Virtual Hamilton Palace Trust aims to resurrect the palace’s splendor online, making it accessible for academics, researchers, and the public to appreciate this vanished grandeur. Attendance to the event is complimentary, though a voluntary contribution to aid the Trust’s efforts is appreciated. Be aware that the venue, the Upper Library, can only be reached via stairs. This event is organized by the WS Society (charity SC050987) in collaboration with the Virtual Hamilton Palace Trust (charity SC034592). Note that there is a fee for this event.