Our journey through the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection continues with this captivating third instalment. This block of cards introduces us to famous Jacobites, a legendary explorer, influential men of letters, and figures who shaped both Scottish law and military history. They underscore a national character defined by adventure, defiance, and intellectual depth.
Heroes of Adventure and Legend
These figures embody the spirit of bold action, whether on the frontiers of the empire or in the wild Scottish Highlands.
Rob Roy (Robert Roy MacGregor): The legendary folk hero, cattle drover, and outlaw is shown on horseback with cattle. Often romanticized as the "Scottish Robin Hood," his life became the subject of popular literature, notably by Sir Walter Scott.
The Jacobite Cause and Royal Power
This set is rich with figures connected to the dramatic and often violent history of Scottish royalty and the Jacobite risings.
Prince Charles Edward (Bonnie Prince Charlie): The famous last major Stuart claimant to the British throne. His card captures a celebratory scene, likely representing the early successes or hopeful plotting of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, which he led.
Graham of Claverhouse (John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee): Nicknamed "Bluidy Clavers" by his enemies, he was a staunch Royalist and a key commander who led Jacobite forces after the Glorious Revolution. The card shows him mounted in a cavalry charge, reflecting his military renown.
Literature, Thought, and Science
The cards once again remind us of Scotland's immense impact on the written word and the natural sciences.
Thomas Carlyle: A hugely influential Victorian writer, historian, and philosopher, Carlyle's portrait and illustrated scene capture the earnest, intellectual gravitas for which he was known. His works profoundly impacted 19th-century British thought.
Tobias Smollett: An 18th-century novelist, doctor, and satirist, Smollett is considered one of the founders of the English novel. His card depicts him in what appears to be a medical setting, reflecting his background as a surgeon.
Allan Ramsay: A key figure in the revival of Scottish vernacular poetry in the 18th century. His card shows him in an outdoor, street-like setting, perhaps reflecting his career as a wig-maker and later as a successful bookseller who established the first circulating library in Scotland.
Sir Archibald Geikie: A towering figure in 19th-century science, Geikie was a distinguished geologist who served as Director-General of the Geological Survey and Director of the Museum of Practical Geology. His card shows him instructing people in an outdoor, rocky landscape, illustrating his fieldwork.
Enduring Fascination
What stands out in this set is the blend of Romanticism and realism. On one hand, we have the dashing, legendary figures of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Rob Roy; on the other, the serious, world-changing work of Livingstone and Geikie.
The Mitchell's Cigarettes series perfectly encapsulates the multi-faceted national narrative that resonated with the public in 1933: one of dramatic struggle, high culture, and scientific achievement.
Join me next time for the fourth block of ten as we inch closer to completing this amazing collection!
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