Artist’s depiction of treasured Dumfries House piece on show
Artwork hailed as a first- ever for Dumfries House is set to go on display at the sprawling estate.
Michelle Cioccoloni, artist in residence, has created the first known depiction of one of the Palladian mansion’s treasured pieces from the 1700s.
She spent two weeks in December recreating the grand orrery, an 18th- century mechanical model of the solar system.
Only ten such pieces are in existence around the world.
Michelle, 30, who attended The Royal Drawing School in London, said: “I have developed a strong connection to Dumfries House.
“I first came here in 2013 and completely fell in love with the estate.
“I started by drawing in the landscape but it was the House and its collection that truly captivated me.
“As a resident artist I have had the privilege of spending long hours in the House and getting to know the collection in an intimate way.
“I see each item in the House as a part of its remarkable history.
“Through my drawings I try to bring that history to life.”
Visitors to Dumfries House are often drawn to the mahogany and engraved- brass grand orrery.
A beautiful, mechanical, heliocentric model of the solar system, it was made by Benjamin Cole of London in around 1758.
The object is named after sciences patron Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery, who commissioned the manufacture of the original.
It is thought that only around ten such items exist in the world.
The grand orrery was restored by Michael Bennett- Levy, a process that took 200 hours.
Michelle has estimated that her drawing will take at least 400 hours to complete.
Kenneth Dunsmuir, executive director of Dumfries House, said: “It is very important that we offer a positive experience to alumni and members of The Royal Drawing School and partner organisations, and we are delighted that Michelle has found her stay ‒ her fifth at Dumfries House ‒ enjoyable and productive.
“Her depiction of a prized piece of ours, the grand orrery, is truly remarkable, and we look forward to viewing the full extent of her series of works on Dumfries House upon completion.”