If Alexander Peter and William Mathie are known at all it is for their work at Dumfries House complementing the famous furniture provided by Thomas Chippendale. They both, and Peter in particular, enjoyed rich careers in Scotland making highly desirable furniture. This talk will explore their known body of work in the context of other furniture made by their peers in Scotland.  Sebastian will share his research and exciting theories concerning the attribution of some furniture, looking especially at the surviving pieces made for Francis Charteris and the new house he was building in East Lothian in the 1750s. 

Dr Sebastian Pryke’s postgraduate research on the eighteenth century furniture trade in Edinburgh not only earned him a PhD but gave him a lifelong passion for Scottish furniture.  This has led to a career in Scottish heritage, art and antiques, initially as an historic buildings inspector at Historic Scotland and then as a fine art auctioneer, culminating in a senior position at Lyon & Turnbull. Most recently, Sebastian has established his own consultancy providing services to the fine art insurance industry, as well as the wider antiques and heritage sectors.  In 2017 Sebastian launched an antique furniture business: At the Sign of the Pelican.

His interest in the creation and development of country houses resulted in a long term commitment to the Historic House Association for Scotland, where he served in various roles as a committee member for ten years.  He has been a council member of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland and a council member of the Cockburn Association (Edinburgh’s civic trust).  In addition he has found time to serve as a council member of the Furniture History Society. Sebastian has contributed to many academic Journals, as well as more popular magazines and has lectured widely.