The Dunmore Pineapple is a remarkable folly situated in Dunmore Park, approximately one kilometre northwest of Airth in the Falkirk council area, Scotland.
One of the architectural wonders of Scotland, the building was built in the grounds of Dunmore House as a garden retreat and hothouse in 1761 by John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore. Murray later left Scotland and went on to become Colonial Governor of Virginia in America. It is known that pineapples were grown at Dunmore, assisted by the furnace-driven heating system that circulated hot air through cavities in the wall construction of the adjoining hothouse buildings.
After discovery by Christopher Columbus on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe in 1493, the pineapple became a rare delicacy in Europe, and was symbolic of power, wealth, and hospitality. The pineapple was adopted as a motif by architects, artisans and craftsmen, being sculpted into gateposts, railings, weather vanes and door lintels. The motif also featured prominently in interior decoration, fabrics and furniture. The Dunmore Pineapple is perhaps the most spectacular architectural use of the motif.
Homes - Historic
Links: en.wikipedia.org
By: kjfitz
