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The Chinese Drawing Room

In this beautiful room the walls are hung with the original early 18th century Chinese painted paper. This was a present to Scott from his cousin, who worked for the East India Company.

In the centre of the ceiling, painted to look like clouds, hangs a superb gas lustre designed by James Milne. Abbotsford was the first house in Scotland to have gas, which Scott installed as early as 1823.

A measure of the respect and affection which Scott inspired is shown by the silver urn on display in this room. This was a present from Lord Byron who was a great fan of Scott and also became a close personal friend. Another focal point in the room is the portrait of Scott by Sir Henry Raeburn, painted in 1819. It shows a young Sir Walter Scott with his much loved dogs Camp and Percy.