Exhibition of Portraits, Books and Manuscripts

Sir Walter Scott Centenary:

The co-operation of the Trustees for the National Gallery of Scotland and the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland ensured the success of the exhibition from the outset. These two bodies in conjunction have treasures enough and to spare to furnish an adequate Scott Centenary Exhibition. Their concurrence, however, meant a good deal more than the many valuable and interesting exhibits which they lent. The private collector as a rule has the spirit to lend, but there is always the deterrent of possible injury which no insurance can adequately cover. Any such fear was allayed when the Committee were able to say that the exhibition would be held in the National Gallery, warded day and night, and that the transport and handling of the exhibits would be under the supervision of the officials of the Gallery. It is satisfactory to record that all the exhibits were safely returned to their owners.

In 1871 there were living many people who knew Scott or, at least, to whom his figure was familiar in the streets of Edinburgh. The personal element was therefore still strong and the exhibition held in that year took a wide range. In the present exhibition the Committee decided to confine the exhibits to original and engraved portraits, books, and manuscripts, with the addition only of a few small personal relics. The limitation in scope was, it is thought, more than compensated for by the high selective value of the individual exhibits.

The exhibition was held during the three months from 1st July to 30th September. It was opened by Major-General Sir Walter Maxwell Scott, Bart., and the ceremony was attended by a large company of the citizens of Edinburgh and others. The exhibition was visited not only by visitors from all parts of Scotland but also by many from England and abroad. It was favourably commented on in the Press, and the opinion was generally expressed that it was a fitting and dignified feature of the Commemoration. No charge was made for entrance to the exhibition and the net cost was £273, 5s. 4d.

It is unnecessary in this note to make reference to the individual exhibits. It would indeed be difficult to know where to begin and where to end. Reference is, however, made to the catalogue which was issued in connection with the exhibition. In it the portraits and prints are fully described and the books and manuscripts carefully annotated. The catalogue contains also introductory notes on the different classes of exhibits, written by members of Committee who compiled it. For future reference it may be mentioned that special articles on the portraits by Sir James L. Caw, and on the books and manuscripts by Dr W. K. Dickson, appeared in the Scotsman of 1st July, and one on the engraved portraits by myself on the following day. A further article on the portraits appeared in the Scotsman of 6th September, in which Mr Stanley Cursiter reviewed and supplemented the information given in the catalogue. Copies of the catalogue have been sent to Public Libraries in Scotland and surplus copies are with the Hon. Secretary of the Club, Mr James Milligan, W.S., 15 York Place, Edinburgh, from whom copies may be obtained on application.