We have developed a cornerstone studio and gallery which embraces the spirit of its previous characterful owner, Madame Doubtfire. The character whose name is used in Anne Fine’s famous book was in reality, a handsome, feisty, bohemian woman who ran a second-hand clothing store in what is now the Doubtfire Gallery. When Hollywood discovered the book, it became the inspiration behind the massive box office hit, Mrs Doubtfire, the story of which bears no relation to our Madame.
The real-life Madame Doubtfire ran her shop here in the New Town for more than 50 years, and was usually to be found sitting outside, swathed in shawls, surrounded by her cats and smoking a clay pipe. Her real name was Annabella Coutts, and one of the four husbands she survived, a French Captain Dofour, clearly left her a legacy of faded grandeur, if no cash. She died in 1979, aged 92, unaware of the posthumous Hollywood fame that awaited.
As a Gallery and Design Studio, we welcome work from artists, photographers, schools, businesses and individuals who need a professional gallery space with excellent lighting, profile and facilities for solo and mixed exhibitions, events, collaborations and presentations.
