Pictish throne on display at Holyrood

The first Pictish throne to be built in over one thousand years recently went on display at The Scottish Parliament Building, Holyrood.

The throne, created by maker Adrian McCurdy, was inspired by depictions on some of the first Pictish sculptured stones featuring important people seated on thrones. The throne was commissioned by National Museums Scotland in partnership with Glenmorangie, to aid understanding of the Early Historic people of Scotland and their society.

Adrian was commissioned by a research team from the National Museums Scotland from a group of makers. His own exploration with cleft oak and use of simple hand-tools was influential in their choice, and various contemporary furniture items at his home were also felt to be of the right character.

Adrian said: “It feels quite an honour to have had this opportunity and having the throne at the Scottish Parliament is an unexpected spotlight for my creation.”

“I have always liked the looking back upon the early crafts and the research necessary to re-incarnate from very little evidence stretches the imagination to use all experience possible in the design. Having the museum team visiting my workshop throughout making period made decisions a joint responsibility.”

“The unusual design is traced as close as possible from original chair shapes on about four or five Pictish Standing stones. The curved front arm members were consistent and looked to be holding the seat. Posture is good (and modern) on this throne with hips above knees and feels remarkably comfortable. Experimental trials upon a mock-up chair helped decide the finished design.”

The throne will be on display at Holyrood until the end of March 2010, after which it is expected to tour Scotland.