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George Washington Wilson (1823-93)

Dunstaffnage Castle c. 1866

Albumen print | 10.0 x 7.6 cm (image) | RCIN 2950732

  • Photograph of a coastline with a young boy standing in right side profile as he leans against a low stone wall, looking out to sea. The boy wears three-quarter length trousers and is barefoot. In the background stands Dunstaffnage Castle on high ground with trees either side.

    Situated to the north east of Oban, Dunstaffnage Castle was built by Duncan MacDougall during the early 13th century. The Earls of Argyll became the new owners of the castle during the late 15th century and played host to King James IV of Scotland. Another famous past resident was Flora MacDonald who was imprisoned in the castle following her arrest for her part in assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie, the leader of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, escape to the continent after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The castle is referenced in Sir Walter Scott's narrative poem Lord of the Isles and JWM Turner painted the castle to include in Scott's prose work Tales of a Grandfather.   

    This photograph is part of a portfolio of 42 photographs taken by Wilson that were used to illustrate a book featuring entries from Queen Victoria's journals, written during her visits to Scotland. Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands was published to great success in 1868.   

    Provenance

    Presented to Alice Plucknett Helps (b. 1839), eldest daughter of Sir Arthur Helps, by Queen Victoria on 14th June 1868

  • Medium and techniques

    Albumen print

    Measurements

    10.0 x 7.6 cm (image)

  • Alternative title(s)

    Photographs to illustrate the Queen's book 'Leaves from the journal of our life in the Highlands'