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09/12/2014
As part of their final project RCAHMS Skills for the Future Trainees, supported by Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, have digitised an album of drawings by James Drummond.
James Drummond (1816–77) was a renowned artist and antiquarian. He was born in Edinburgh at John Knox’s House and trained as a draughtsman. Drummond is most well known for history paintings such as The Porteous Mob (1855), held in National Galleries Scotland. In 1848 he became a member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, later a member of Council and Joint Curator of the Museum. From 1868 until his death in 1877 he was also curator of the Scottish National Gallery. Drummond published numerous articles on antiquarian subjects, such as Scottish Mercat Crossses, and posthumously, many of his drawings were published as Sculptured Monuments in Iona and the West Highlands and Old Edinburgh. The collection at RCAHMS includes original sketches reproduced in these publications.
The Drummond Collection was deposited at RCAHMS in 1975 as part of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection. It comprises an array of drawings and watercolours of archaeological and architectural sites throughout Scotland. The sites drawn by Drummond range from Dirleton Castle in East Lothian to standing stones such as Clach A’ Charra in the Highlands as well as a large number of mercat crosses. Drummond’s drawings reflect growing antiquarian interests during the 19th century and stand today as both works of artistic merit and invaluable visual records of many sites that have since been altered or destroyed.
Highlights from the collection can be explored below.









DP 029260
Drawing of the Cat Stane by J Drummond. Titled: 'The Catt stane near Kirkliston. 1st Sept 1849. JD'.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)


DP 039219
Drawing of general view of Dunglass Collegiate Church.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)







DP 046195
Drawing of Blackness Castle showing view from SW. Titled: 'Blackness Castle, D. 17th July 1849'
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)







DP 091889
Drawing of Hamilton House.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)










DP 203278
Drawing of Carnwath Market Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)





























DP 203324
Drawing of Newbigging Market Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)















DP 203343
Design for Edinburgh Market Cross This is a watercolour of the cross whilst it was in place at The Drum, and which is now situated in the High Street in Edinburgh








































































































































































































DP 007443
Drawing of the view from the SE of the Market Cross at Airth.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 021268
Drawing of Elphinstone Tower before demolition of the wing.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 029260
Drawing of the Cat Stane by J Drummond. Titled: 'The Catt stane near Kirkliston. 1st Sept 1849. JD'.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 039219
Drawing of general view of Dunglass Collegiate Church.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 046195
Drawing of Blackness Castle showing view from SW. Titled: 'Blackness Castle, D. 17th July 1849'
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 091889
Drawing of Hamilton House.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 203278
Drawing of Carnwath Market Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 203304
Drawing showing the remains of Biggar Cross built into the wall of the Corn Exchange.
© RCAHMS

DP 203305
Drawing of The Headless Cross, Standing in the grounds of Airth Castle where Upper Airth was.
© RCAHMS

DP 203324
Drawing of Newbigging Market Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)

DP 203343
Design for Edinburgh Market Cross This is a watercolour of the cross whilst it was in place at The Drum, and which is now situated in the High Street in Edinburgh

DP 204734
Drawing of a grave slab with recumbent Knight with sword by his side, hands together in prayer at Lasswade, Old Parish Church.
© RCAHMS