Object: Wallpaper at Woodend House (Kean’s Cottage)

Date: 19th century

Description : This trompe l’oeil wallpaper decorated the drawing room of Woodend House for many years.  The house known locally as Kean’s Cottage on the shore of Loch Fad was built for Edmund Kean (1787-1833), a renowned actor.  After a visit in 1821 he fell in love with the island, as a refuge from his turbulent life on the stage, and leased land from the Marquis of Bute to build a comfortable and luxurious home with rich decorations and furnishings including this wallpaper.  (P03-3570, B29.019) (Buildings)