Sketches by the Duchess of Sutherland in the National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland holds a large deposit of items relating to the Sutherland Estate. It was loaned to the Library in 1980 by the Duchess of Sutherland, where it can be viewed, the collection found under the general heading of "The Sutherland Papers." Amongst all the letters, accounts etc. etc. are three sketchbooks of artwork done by the then-Countess of Sutherland, Elizabeth Leveson-Gower (1765-1839). I was particularly interested to see these, given that I have the 22 scarce aquatints published by F.C Lewis c.1830.
I am very grateful to the National Library of Scotland, and to the Sutherland Estate for giving me permission to add images to this website of these sketches which the Library has supplied for me. They are an interesting collection, not just of Eastern Sutherland and Caithness, but also of the west coast, at least as far south as Loch Assynt. Some are titled, alas not all legible, and I would be pleased to hear from anyone who recognises a view that I have not been able to locate (greywings89@gmail.com).
A frustrating image! An attractive ridge view in a watercolour wash, titled lower right (see detail to the right), but I could not decipher it, even when holding the sketch in my hand.
This sketch, and the one below can be found at the library, catalogue number Acc.13290/34.
Similarly with this one. Possibly a view across to Loch Spynie which is in Morayshire. Title detail again to the right.
This sketch, and the one above are found in the sketchbook, catalogue number Acc.13290/33.
An untitled sketch.
Acc.1329032
A pencil sketch of a similar view.
Acc.13290/32
Again untitled, this is probably a view looking across Assynt to part of the the Quinag ridge.
Acc.13290/32
Again untitled. I tentatively suggest a view of Gairloch....Please let me know if I am wrong!
Acc.13290/32
This pencil sketch has a title, but not easy to make our precisely.
Acc.13290/32.
A lovely image, with a distinctive set of stones, titled "Strath.....?" Any ideas?
Acc.13290/32.
At last, a title easily identified: Loch Brora.
Acc.13290/32
The last set I am adding below all come from Acc. 13290/34
Ardvreck Castle and Calda House, on the shores of Loch Assynt. Ardvreck Castle is famous for being the place where James Graham, the Marquis of Montrose was captured and held in 1650. The Castle became a Mackenzie stronghold in 1672, and in 1726 they built Calda House, which offered more modern living accommodation. 11 years later, it burnt down under mysterious circumstances. Both buildings now stand in ruins.
"From Inchnadamf Inn." With Quinag behind, and Loch Assynt to the left. The Inn later became famous after the two geologists Ben Peach and John Horne made it a base from which to work out the remarkable geology of the area.
Titled simply "Cuniag" [Quinag].
Another sketch of Calda House and Ardvreck Castle.
Next, drawings of some of the distinctive mountains of Assynt. These may be faint, pencil sketches, but it is worth remembering that these are amongst the earliest images of this remote region. The only others that I know of, drawn in the early 19th century, are by William Daniell.
The Duchess notes "Stack" (Pollaidh?) and "Coigach" (Ben Mor?). She has also included Suilven.
"Loch Boland", with Suilven in the distance. A famous view that you can find on old postcards, etc.
"Coulbeag (and) Coul More, Ross-shire" with of course Suilven again to the left.
Various landmarks noted on this sketch, including Suilven, Ledbeg and Canisp. Two more I could not decipher.
Finally, images of the North Coast further to the east.
A view looking east across to Dunnet Head, with the Orkney Islands (Hoy) to the left. The Duchess has also noted "Sandride(?) and Kirk of Reay" on the far right.
"Church and Manse of Far." The church is now a museum. In the graveyard can be found the famous carved gravestone which the Duchess sketches roughly.......
"Old Stone in the Church yard of Far (probably the Tomb of a Priest)."
Bighouse, near Melvich. A large estate in Sutherland. The house was built in 1765 for Louisa Mackay, and was for a number of years a Clan Mackay base.
"The old Bighouse meadows and embankment."
Looking out from Bighouse. The Duchess has marked, from left to right, "Behind this, Sandride and Reay 5 or 6 miles off." ""Tracks to the Bay." "Fields, dikes." "? Apples in Quantity." "Garden. [text below ? offices?]" "Meadow, embankment." At the bottom right "Circle before the door....From Bighouse." Other titles illegible.
Once again may I express my thanks to the National Library of Scotland, and to the Sutherland Estate, for granting permission to add these fascinating images to my website.