Papers of John Nicolson, antiquarian, Keiss, Caithness, Scotland
551 146
Description Papers of John Nicolson, antiquarian, Keiss, Caithness, Scotland
Date 1914 to 1916
Collection Papers of John Nicolson, antiquarian, Keiss, Caithness, Scotland
Catalogue Number 551 146
Category All Other
Scope and Content A collection of papers, photographs, drawings and manuscripts assembled by John Nicolson, relating to archaeological investigations in Caithness.
Archive History The collection was gifted to RCAHMS by Nicolson's grandson, in 2005 (Acc No 2005/182). Prior to this the collection had been held, on loan, by the Northlands Viking Centre.
System of Arrangement The collection is arranged by subject: personal papers; material relating to archaeological investigation; other artwork; a collection of historical documents.
Related Material The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland collection contains correspondence and photographs relating to Sir Francis Tress Barry's investigations of Caithness sites, with which Nicolson assisted.
Access Conditions There are no restrictions upon access to material, except where necessitated by conservation reasons.
Administrative History John Nicolson (1843-1934) was a Caithness farmer with a deep interest in history and a clear talent for painting and sculpture. He was fascinated by the early history of Caithness and actively collected information and documents. With the arrival of Sir Francis Tress Barry at Keiss Castle in 1890, Nicolson became involved in archaeology acting as foreman on Barry’s excavations. He sketched and painted many of the objects recovered from the excavations, from pieces of pottery, bone pins, stone tools, bone combs, painted pebbles, as well as preparing drawings of the actual excavations.
Accruals No further accruals are expected.
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