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A Life of Art and Letters
William Bell Scott was a Scottish artist, painter, writer, poet, graphic artist, art historian, exlibrist, and print collector. Born in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, he was the son of the engraver Robert Scott and the brother of the painter David Scott. His artistic journey took him from his upbringing in Edinburgh to London, and later to Newcastle upon Tyne, where he served as the principal of the government School of Art from 1843 to 1864. During his tenure in Newcastle, he expanded his repertoire of landscapes and history painting to include industrial subjects, becoming one of the first British artists to extensively depict the processes of the Industrial Revolution.
Beyond his visual work, Scott was a prolific writer and poet. His literary contributions included:
Artistic Commissions and Portraits
Scott's decorative work is notably represented in historical cycles. For Wallington Hall in Northumberland, he produced eight large pictures illustrating Northumbrian history, featuring life-size figures, alongside eighteen pictures on The Ballad of Chevy Chase. He also executed a historical cycle for Penkill Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland, illustrating James I's poem The Kingis Quair.
While he did not focus heavily on portraiture, his striking portrait of the poet Algernon Charles Swinburne remains an iconic image. His etchings were primarily designed to serve as illustrations for his books. In his later years, after resigning from his appointment under the Science and Art Department in 1885, he focused on his writing until his death in South Ayrshire.
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The History and Origins of the House
Treasurer's House, York is a Grade I listed historic house located in Minster Yard, directly to the north of York Minster. The site's history is deeply connected to the ecclesiastical administration of the Minster. The office of Treasurer was established by Archbishop of York Thomas of Bayeux, and the first Treasurer for York Minster was appointed in 1091. For several centuries, the building functioned as a grand residence for the Treasurer, providing a space to entertain important guests. This specific function continued until 1547, when the Reformation of the English Church brought the office of Treasurer to an end.
The physical foundations of the house reflect the long occupation of the site. The structure was built directly over one of the main Roman roads that led out of Roman York to the North. During major structural changes carried out by Frank Green, four Roman column bases were uncovered. One of these remains in-situ in the cellar. The house is currently owned and maintained by the National Trust.
The Restoration by Frank Green
In 1897, Frank Green, a wealthy local industrialist, began the process of acquiring the various parts of the house. He purchased each section between 1897 and 1898, aiming to unify the subdivided properties into a single residence. To achieve this, he appointed Temple Moore to oversee the restoration. The architectural work involved removing numerous earlier additions to return the structure to a more cohesive state. This extensive project was largely completed by 1900.
Green intended the house to function as a setting for his personal collection of antique furniture, paintings, and objets d’art. He was an exacting man who maintained the house with strict attention to order and tidiness. The resulting interior reflects his specific vision for a grand town house. In 1930, Green donated both the house and his entire collection to the National Trust, ensuring the property and its contents remained intact.
The Architecture and Interior Rooms
Located in Minster Yard directly to the north of York Minster, the house possesses a layered architectural character. The structure features a symmetrical front that was added during the early 17th century. While the building's origins reach back to medieval times, the current configuration reflects the extensive transformations undertaken at the end of the 19th century. By 1900, the property had been converted into an elaborately decorated town house.
The interior is composed of thirteen period rooms. These spaces represent a variety of different styles and eras, creating a specific domestic arrangement. The layout reflects the transition from a subdivided set of tenements back into a unified residence. The arrangement of these rooms was intended to display a curated collection of antique furniture and objects.
Mrs Halliwell as an Old Woman, 1840 - William Bell Scott
Thomas Evans, 1840 - William Bell Scott
'Frisk' a Skye Terrier, 1875 - Richard S. Moseley
Lady Charlotte Harley - Richard Westall
Landscape with a Lake, Cattle and a Figure on Horseback, 1801 - Charles Towne
Mr Halliwell on Horseback, 1794 - Charles Towne
Exhibitions and Visiting Information
The house is open to the public for an admission fee. Visitors may access the garden and the café without charge. During certain periods, the site hosts specific displays to examine the history of the property. The exhibition titled 'Demolition and Restoration' opened on May 6 and remains available until the end of the year.
Daily opening hours are from 11am to 4.30pm. The house is located in Minster Yard, directly to the north of York Minster. Access to the interior is managed through the National Trust. The site remains open to the public throughout the year, though specific tour availability may vary by season.
