This hilarious illustration makes comments both on fashion and politics. The Union Jack on the flag and balloon suggest robust Britannia moving towards the regions of folly, perhaps across the water to France. Who does she carry on her back? Perhaps this is France having no choice be carried along and sign the Eden Treaty […]
Source Archives Archives: Bute Archive Mount Stuart
Architectural Drawing by Sir Rowand Anderson
The current Mount Stuart is one of the most outstanding Gothic Revival buildings in the British Isles, and the vision of the 3rd Marquess of Bute – arguably the greatest architectural patron of the 19th century. Sir Robert Rowand Anderson prepared plans for this second Mount Stuart in 1879 and construction began in 1880. Work […]
Nell Gwynn
Nell Gwynn, the Hungary Harlot. Was the mistress of King Charles II, Nell Gwynn born Eleanor Gwyn. 2 February 1650, she was also one of the first British actresses. This piece of political satire is in the form of a coded letter. This picture puzzle code is called a rebus, it has pictures in the place […]
The Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
Mount Stuart has an fantastic collection of items associated with Mary Queen of Scots, this print was the first mass produced image of the execution taken from a bystanders account, gruesome but accurate. Other items include two small embroidered pieces one said to be her last and an eyewitness account of the execution by Sir Robert […]
Sporran worn by Bonnie Prince Charlie
This beautiful etching of a sporran worn by Prince Charles Edward Stuart is found in the catalogue from an exhibition of historical and personal relics. The catalogue was purchased by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and added to his collection. He was particularly interested in Scottish history and the history of the Stuart family and […]
Pair of Duelling Pistols belonging to Bonnie Prince Charlie
These beautiful etchings of Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s Duelling Pistols are found in the catalogue from an exhibition of historical and personal relics. The catalogue was purchased by the 3rd Marquess of Bute and added to his collection. He was particularly interested in Scottish history and the history of the Stuart family and purchased both […]
Miss Shuttlecock
Miss Shuttlecock The lady wears such a gigantic wig adorned with feathers that she resembles a shuttlecock and is seen between two men who take advantage of her attire and use her thus. The Bute Collection at Mount Stuart has fantasticly humorous collection of portraiture and satirical etchings that mock the excesses of high fashion […]
Ladies in a Carriage
The Vis a vis bisected, or The Ladies Co-op. The Bute Collection at Mount Stuart has fantasticly humorous collection of portraiture and satirical etchings that mock the excesses of high fashion and politics in Georgian Britain. There are several attributed to Matthew Darly. He and his wife Mary specialised in caricature, firstly concentrating on political […]
The Queens Ass
In the year 1762 a female zebra or ‘wild ass’ was given to Queen Charlotte and it became perhaps one of the most recognisable animals in Britain. The original image appeared as an illustration on a satirical song sheet which was a popular medium for serious and satirical political comment at this time. This item […]
