On paper, Sebastian Pryke is a formidable powerhouse of academia, with more letters after his name than seems feasible. Meet him in person, though, and it’s his gentle energy that strikes you first. He is soft-spoken and approachable, eager to share his passion for Scottish antiques. His long career has always had a focus on the treasures to be found in Scotland’s historic houses, from his Ph.D. thesis on the 18th-century Edinburgh furniture trade (“I only ever call myself Dr if I’m lecturing or involved in an academic context,” he smiles), to his years as head of furniture at Lyon & Turnbull, and his work in the fine-art insurance sector.
Three years ago, he set up At the Sign of the Pelican, to allow him to explore other strands of his love for antiques. He wanted the business to be a safe haven not only for his carefully sourced furniture but also for others interested in Scottish antiques. It’s based in the former YMCA in the Fife village of Cupar. “The catalyst was really the building itself,” says Pryke. “I bought it because it was unique, rather beautiful in its own way, and it seemed like a good restoration project. Now, one new roof and extensive dry-rot repairs later, I’m not so sure just how good an investment it has been, but I still love it.”
He brought in roofers from Dundee and the Preservation Company of Fife to treat the dry rot and then he and his family did much of the rest of the renovation work themselves. He has ended up with a big airy space, with plenty of room to display Georgian chairs, Regency tables and beautifully crafted heirlooms from the past. “The previous owners had installed a partial mezzanine floor in the gym, which makes a great office area,” he adds. And there is a top floor that is currently being renovated – necessary extra space for his growing collection.
Denne historien er fra January - February 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
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Denne historien er fra January - February 2020-utgaven av Homes & Interiors Scotland.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Escape BOATH HOUSE
An inspirational Georgian manor house in the north-east offers sanctuary to artists, poets and the curious of spirit
Escape THE LOOKOUT
Sun-drenched interiors, right on the beach - it's hard to believe this is Scotland
"It still feels like home. Just nicer"
The owners of this house in Edinburgh didn't intend to give it a complete makeover, but once they started they just couldn't stop
A SCOTTISH LOVE STORY
You need passion to persevere through a lengthy restoration project. Thankfully for this rambling old lodge in Highland Perthshire, its new owners were already head over heels
CLEAN AND POLISH
Ten years in the making, this one-time dental surgery in Portobello has been reshaped as an elegant, practical family home
MEET THE MAKER RACHEL MACLELLAN
You might think the process is purely creative, but designing knitted textiles requires a deep understanding of geometry and pattern calculations. It is intricate and often mathematical. I have learned that knitting demands a constant balance between artistry and engineering. Creating a new textile involves not only selecting colours and yarns but also considering the tensile strength, elasticity and drape of the material. That way, I ensure the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. To me, this blend of creativity and technical precision is a fascinating aspect of knitted textile design.
IN THE KITCHEN AT PARTIES
It's all in the details for this slick and multifunctional entertainment space
JUST A HINT OF PINK
This family-orientated Georgian kitchen gets an upgrade in both footprint and finish
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Beauty and the best of Scotland on the shores of Loch Ness
LAURA THOMAS
The environmentalist has become a very successful entrepreneur whose products are stocked by Scotland's best hotels