In 2021 Historic Environment Scotland Archives acquired the Rosslyn Album, a collection of drawings, letters and engravings assembled by publisher and antiquarian John Britton (1771-1857). Following the purchase (generously supported by the Friends of the National Libraries) the volume underwent significant conservation, cataloguing and digitisation, and will be on display to the public for the first time.
To celebrate the acquisition of the volume, this exhibition presents images from the HES archive collections relating to Rosslyn Chapel and the contents of the album. Learn about the fashion for antiquarianism in Scotland and the lure of Rosslyn Chapel, from the founding of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, to the mass publication of souvenir guides for tourists. Included are sketches by James Drummond, R W Billings and James Skene, photography by Erskine Beveridge and Lady Henrietta Gilmour, architectural records by Reverend John Sime, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson’s National Art Survey of Scotland, and 19th-century travel guides to Scotland.
There is a Curator's Talk (in-person or online) on Monday 4 March. The talk is free, but booking is essential. If joining in-person you can also visit the Rosslyn Chapel exhibition. Find out more and book your place
The Rosslyn Album has been fully digitised and is available to view online via Canmore
Limited free visitor parking is available at John Sinclair House on a first come, first serve basis.
Image © Courtesy of HES (Scottish Colorfoto Collection)