The Dunmore Pineapple

I've been obsessed with this building for some time, so much so that it inspired one of my very first designs - the Pineapple Pot. I'd been looking forward to visiting the Dunmore Pineapple for some years, so nothing was going to rain on my parade when I finally got the chance to go, even though it rained... and rained... and poured.

Pineapples were brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Due to their rarity & exotic appearance, they fast became a symbol of wealth, good taste & hospitality. Pineapples were used as architectural symbols, often appearing on gateposts, as well as interior decoration, textiles & furniture.

The Dunmore Pineapple was built in 1777 by the 4th Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse where he could appreciate the views from his estate. At this time, pineapples were among Scotland’s most exotic foods.
A wide variety of unusual fruits & veggies once grew in the extensive glasshouses & pineapple pits in the Pineapple’s walled garden. The grounds are now an oasis for wildlife. 
The Earl of Dunmore served abroad as Governor of the Virginia colony. A tradition among the Virginia sailors was to put a pineapple atop a gatepost to announce their return home from the sea. The Earl, who enjoyed a practical joke, took the tradition a step further & rather than simply putting a pineapple on a gatepost, he built an entire building in the shape of a pineapple.

If you've read all of this post without falling asleep, then well done - I'm impressed! As my friends often tell me, the things I find interesting are probably better suited to a 70 year old!

 My handcrafted pineapple pots are £20 each or 3 for £50. 

You can shop them here: