Great Scots, Part II: Revolutionaries, Innovators, and Artists

Welcome back to the world of the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes series, "Great Scots." Our first instalment introduced literary giants and historical figures. This second set of ten cards delves deeper into the figures who truly shaped Scotland's identity—from the heroes of independence to the inventors of the Industrial Revolution and the masterminds of the Jacobite cause.

The variety of careers and eras featured on these small cards is a stunning reminder of the rich tapestry of Scottish history.

The Fight for Independence

Two of the most legendary figures in Scottish history, whose very names evoke the struggle for freedom, anchor this set.

Sir William Wallace: The card features the heroic leader of the Wars of Scottish Independence in what looks like a negotiation or appeal to two robed figures. Wallace's story of resistance against English rule remains a powerful symbol of Scottish patriotism and courage.

Robert the Bruce: Pictured in a scene of counsel or political negotiation, Bruce, the King of Scots, successfully secured Scotland's de facto independence at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He is one of the most revered figures in the nation's history.

Innovation and Intellect

Scotland's contributions to the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution are represented by two world-changing innovators.

James Watt: The card shows Watt, the renowned inventor, in a workshop setting with a steam-powered mechanism. His improvements to the steam engine were fundamental to the Industrial Revolution, making him a cornerstone of modern technological history.

Sir William Hamilton: A prominent Scottish philosopher and metaphysician, Hamilton is pictured examining a paper at a desk. His work was influential in the 19th-century intellectual landscape, particularly in logic and academic philosophy.

Rebellion and Intrigue

Several figures on these cards were central to the conflicts and power struggles that defined the nation.

Cardinal Beaton (David Beaton): A powerful and controversial figure in the Scottish Church and a strong opponent of the Reformation, Beaton's card depicts a dramatic scene that might allude to his violent assassination in 1546, a pivotal event in the religious struggles of the era.

Lord Melville (Henry as, 1st Viscount Melville): A politician of immense power and influence, Dundas was a dominant figure in late 18th and early 19th-century British politics, often referred to as "the Uncrowned King of Scotland." The card shows him in what appears to be a court or parliamentary setting, reflecting his political career.

Lady Anne Mackintosh: A truly remarkable figure, Lady Anne raised the Clan Mackintosh for the Jacobite cause during the '45 Rising, earning the nickname "Colonel Anne." Her card, showing her in a position of authority among kinsmen, celebrates her fierce loyalty and military aptitude.

The Arts and Education

From portraiture to literature and academic governance, these figures show Scotland's cultural depth.

Sir Henry Raeburn: One of Scotland’s greatest portrait painters, Raeburn is shown with a sitter and an easel. His work captured the leading figures of the Scottish Enlightenment and remains highly celebrated for its directness and warmth.

George Buchanan: A towering figure of the Scottish Renaissance, Buchanan was a humanist scholar, poet, and tutor to the young James VI (James I of England). The illustration on the card may refer to an anecdote about his strict tutoring methods.

Andrew Lang: A prolific Scottish man of letters, Lang was a poet, novelist, literary critic, and folklorist, famous for his collection of Fairy Books. His card shows him at a desk, with a hint of sport (a cricket bat) and perhaps a scene of play or legend in the background, hinting at his diverse interests.

This set is more than just a roll call of famous names; it's a commentary on what 1933 Britain deemed essential Scottish history. The prominence of both the legendary freedom fighters and the architects of the Industrial Age illustrates a national identity proud of both its ancient rebellious spirit and its modern intellectual output.

Stay tuned for the next block of ten cards as we continue this journey through Scotland's unforgettable past! Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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