We’ve reached the penultimate instalment of our tour through the 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This block of ten cards features some of the most universally recognized names in Scottish history, whose impact ranges from the poetry we still read today to the foundations of the global financial system.
This set beautifully balances the old and the new, the literary and the martial, perfectly capturing the multifaceted nature of the Scottish identity in the 1930s.
Literary Immortals and Intellectual Titans
Scotland's towering contribution to literature is front and centre in this selection.
Robert Burns: Pictured in a vibrant social setting, the card honours the national poet of Scotland, often referred to as The Bard. His poetry and songs, such as "Auld Lang Syne," are known worldwide, making him a central figure in Scottish culture and identity.
Lord Macaulay (Thomas Babington Macaulay): A prominent Whig politician, historian, and essayist. His card shows him in a domestic scene, perhaps teaching or telling a story. Macaulay's work, particularly his The History of England, shaped the Whig interpretation of British history for generations.
Lord Erskine (Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine): An incredibly renowned lawyer and politician, Erskine was considered one of the greatest advocates in the history of the British bar. His card depicts him arriving or departing a carriage, perhaps on his way to a famous case.
Queens, Saints, and Heroic Women
The collection continues to feature powerful female figures who held significant influence over the course of Scottish history.
Flora MacDonald: The quintessential Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald is immortalized for helping
Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the Battle of Culloden. Her card depicts the dramatic, clandestine nature of her act, a story that became legendary.
St. Margaret (Margaret of Scotland): A Queen of Scotland in the 11th century, she was renowned for her piety, charity, and influence in integrating the Scottish church with the Roman Church. Her card shows her in a scene that seems to involve work on a ship or in a bustling, historical setting.
Annabella Drummond: The Queen Consort to Robert III of Scotland, she was a central political figure in the late 14th century. Her card's illustration of knights jousting or fighting suggests the martial world of her era and the political maoeuvring she engaged in.
The Builders of Modern Institutions
These Scots are celebrated for their foundational roles in global economics and politics.
William Paterson: The visionary Scottish banker who is best known as the founder of the
Bank of England in 1694. His card depicts him in a meeting, likely outlining the foundational plans for his institution or the disastrous
Darien Scheme, an event that led to Scotland's financial ruin and ultimately, the Act of Union.
The Earl of Balfour (Arthur Balfour): A prominent Conservative politician and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at the turn of the 20th century. His card shows him interacting with a crowd of people, reflecting his long and influential career in British public life.
Military and Naval Glory
Finally, the set recognizes the courage and strategic genius of Scotland's martial heroes.
Duncan of Camperdown (Admiral Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan): A celebrated naval hero, his card shows him on the deck of a ship. He is famous for his stunning victory over the Dutch fleet at the
Battle of Camperdown in 1797.
Sir Colin Campbell (Lord Clyde): A highly decorated military officer, Sir Colin Campbell served in numerous conflicts, becoming famous for his command during the
Indian Mutiny (Siege of Lucknow). His card portrays him greeting another officer in a military camp, underscoring his celebrated career.
This block brilliantly ties together Scotland's most enduring themes: its literary voice (Burns), its rebellious spirit (Flora MacDonald), its royal history (St. Margaret, Annabella Drummond), and its world-changing impact on finance and defense (Paterson, Duncan).
Only ten cards remain to complete the collection! Join me for the final instalment soon.
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