The Harry and Margery Boswell Art Collection: About

The Harry and Margery Boswell Art Collection was begun by Margery Boswell in honour of her husband, Harry, through a generous gift to the University of St Andrews, in acknowledgement of their close associations with the Kingdom of Fife and the University.   The Collection forms a lasting memorial to Harry and Margery Boswell in recognition of their interest in and commitment to Scottish history, culture and art.   The family of Harry and Margery Boswell continue to support the Boswell Art Collection, through their active interest in its development and further generous donations.

Harry Boswell first learned about Balmuto Castle, the ancestral home of the Boswells, as a young boy living in Hyattsville, Maryland near Washington D.C. It stirred his imagination, giving rise to a lifelong interest in Scottish history and culture, and he resolved that one day he would see it for himself. Meanwhile he embarked on a highly successful career as a lawyer with particular interests in urban planning and economic development. He also served on the staff of President John F. Kennedy. He met Margery in Washington where she was working as a legal secretary having migrated north from the little Arkansas town of Hope, famous now as the birthplace of President Clinton. It was not until the late 1960's, by which time they had five children, that Harry found the time to visit Fife and discover the castle he had heard about as a child. He found the castle in a ruinous state. Harry and Margery bought Balmuto and spent the next 25 years restoring the building. It became a home for their family, for their fine collection of Scottish art, and for the host of neighbours and friends who would visit from far and wide. These would include fellow students of their youngest son, Chris, who spent a year at St. Andrews University. Harry died on 16th June 1990 whilst staying at Balmuto . He was buried at Kinghorn Church. Margery died on 19th April 1995 and is likewise buried in Kinghorn. The Boswell Art Collection is a memorial to them both.