I have just presented a talk at Lauriston Castle in Scotland.  Lauriston Castle is a 16th century tower house with 19th century extensions overlooking the Firth of Forth in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The original tower house was built around 1590 by Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston. It was the home of John Law (1671–1729), the economist, Right Hon Andrew Lord Rutherford (1791–1854), and  Thomas MacKnight Crawford from 1871 to 1902. In 1827, Thomas Allan, a banker and mineralogist extended the house in the Jacobean style.

William Reid acquired Lauriston Castle in 1902, installed modern plumbing and electricity, and he and his wife Margaret filled the house with a collection of fine furniture and artwork. The Reids, being childless, left their home to Scotland on the condition that it should be preserved unchanged. The City Of Edinburgh has administered the house since Mrs Reid’s death in 1926, which today offers a fascinating glimpse of Edwardan life in a Scottish country house.

Lauriston Castle, like so many other Scottish castles, is reputedly haunted. It is said that the sound of ghostly footsteps can be heard.

A personal appearance by King Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots, four beautiful costumed mannequins displayed with accessories and items of Tudor underwear were included in my lecture.

I presented my talk in in one of the amazing ground floor rooms – it was full of beautiful priceless antique hangings and furniture and provided a wonderful setting for my costumes.

The afternoon’s entertainment continued with a lavish cream tea and concluded with a very interesting tour of the castle – it was a fabulous afternoon.

I am very pleased to say that evaluations after the talk graded my lecture as excellent.

The Lauriston Castle Facebook Page also states  –

“Julia Soares McCormick gave a stunning lecture, Stitches in Time’ at Lauriston Castle on Saturday!   An absolutely fantastic day and we here at the castle are so thankful to Julia for sharing her talent with so many”.

I would like the opportunity to thank Margaret and Lesley at Lauriston.  I really appreciate the excellent hospitality and help from all the staff at the Castle which made the event such a success.

My thanks to everyone for coming to hear my lecture – it was completely sold out.  I really enjoying meeting everyone afterwards – it’s great to know so many people are interested in costume design and history.

Have a look at the Lauriston Castle Facebook page for more information and photographs about the event- http://www.facebook.com/lauristoncastleedinburgh .

It states the talk was presented by the “very very clever and talented Julia Soares-McCormick'” – I wish to thank Lauriston for this excellent comment.

A photo session took place during the afternoon – I have included pictures below – hope you enjoy looking at them.

[See image gallery at www.tudortalkandcatwalk.com]