£500,000 Worth of Art from the”Castle of Spite” Will Be Sold to Finance Youth Hostels

Dowager Duchess of Sutherland’s Carbisdale Castle, the last castle to be built in Scotland, has housed a collection of painting and sculptures since the duchess, who gained notoriety for being embroiled in a Victorian society scandal, built it in 1907.

Now, its 17 sculptures and 36 paintings, along with a 19th century textile, will be sold at Sotheby’s, London for an estimated £500,000 (roughly $750,000).

The duchess was known for having had an affair with the third Duke, who she eventually married. And her reputation, already tarnished, was further questioned when she, rather than his children, was left the majority of his estate, according to a report in the Telegraph.

After her death, then-owner of the property Captain Harold Salveson donated the land and its belongings to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, an organization that provides the global youth with affordable accommodations so they may experience the country’s heritage.

The castle, nicknamed “Castle of Spite,” is said to be haunted, and its premises closed in 2010 after it suffered frost damage. Its pricey contents, consequently, were moved into storage.

All proceeds will go towards financing hostels in Scotland, in the hopes of encouraging tourism.

Part of Sotheby’s 19th and 20th century sculpture auction that will be held on May 20 in London, the sale will feature star lots including Andromeda by Italian sculptor Pasquale Romanelli, which is estimated to sell for £120,000 and a sculpture of Venus and Cupid, which is expected to bring in £80,000.

 


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