Great Scots, Part V: The Final Ten—Reformers, Field Marshals, and Polar Pioneers

We've reached the end of our exploration into the captivating 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This final block of ten figures brings us face-to-face with the men and women who shaped Scotland's religious, military, and exploratory past, providing a fitting conclusion to a century-spanning historical survey printed on humble tobacco cards.

God, Glory, and Generals

This final group is dominated by figures from military command and religious reform who fundamentally altered the course of Scottish history.

King David I: The card portrays the 12th-century King of Scotland, likely overseeing an architectural project alongside a monk. Known as "the Saint" for his devotion, David I was a transformative figure who introduced feudalism and established many of Scotland's great abbeys and burghs (towns), fundamentally modernizing the country and laying the foundations for its medieval kingdom.

John Knox: The central figure of the Scottish Reformation, Knox's card shows him preaching in a kirk. His relentless efforts established Presbyterianism in Scotland, permanently changing the country's religious and political landscape.

Earl Haig (Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig): A highly recognizable contemporary figure in 1933, Haig was a senior officer during the First World War, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from 1915. His card, showing him on horseback, celebrates his prominent, though controversial, military legacy.

Sir Ralph Abercromby: A distinguished British lieutenant-general, Sir Ralph Abercromby is known for his successful military campaigns, particularly in the West Indies and Egypt, where he was mortally wounded in 1801. His card depicts a cavalry charge, capturing the action of his command.

Lord Heathfield (George Augustus Eliott, Baron Heathfield): A famous general known for successfully defending Gibraltar during the Great Siege (1779–1783). His card shows him on horseback, giving orders on the battlefield, a clear nod to his military prowess.

David Leslie (Lord Newark): A formidable military commander during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Leslie commanded the Covenanter army. His card is a dramatic depiction of a cavalry engagement, celebrating his strategic skill.

The Explorer and the Administrator

This section highlights the global reach of Scottish achievement, from the frozen poles to the political machinations of the Covenanters.

Sir James Clark Ross: A renowned naval officer and polar explorer. His card shows him in an icy environment with colleagues, commemorating his vital work mapping the magnetic North Pole and exploring Antarctica.

The Earl of Loudoun (John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun): A nobleman and military officer, he was an important figure during the mid-18th century, particularly as a commander during the French and Indian War in North America. His card shows him in a scene of deliberation or planning with other officials.

The Women and Writer

The collection concludes by showcasing influential women and one of the greatest storytellers of the Victorian age.

Jane, Duchess of Gordon: An influential social and political figure in 18th-century Scotland, the Duchess was a famous society hostess and an effective recruiter for the Gordon Highlanders regiment. Her card features her in elegant attire, greeting and encouraging recruits, highlighting her role in military life.

Robert Louis Stevenson: The author of timeless classics like Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His card shows him traveling with a donkey, reminiscent of his travel writing, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, and capturing his spirit of adventure.

The Complete "Great Scots" Collection: A 1933 Time Capsule

Completing this 50-card set reveals something profound about what Mitchell's Cigarettes considered the "Essential Scotland" in 1933.

The collection is a near-perfect blend:

• Foundational Leaders: Wallace, Bruce, Macbeth, King David I.

• Literary & Intellectual Giants: Hume, Scott, Burns, R.L.S., Barrie, Carlyle.

• Architects of Change: Knox, James Watt, William Paterson.

• Rebels & Cavaliers: Montrose, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald.

• Military & Naval Heroes: Earl Haig, Sir John Moore, Duncan of Camperdown.

• Influential Women: Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Anne MacIntosh, Jane, Duchess of Gordon.

These cards are small paper windows into the collective memory of Scotland, showing how national identity was communicated to the masses during the inter-war period.

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Great Scots, Part IV: Poets, Admirals, and the Makers of Modern Scotland

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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Great Scots, Part III: Explorers, Rebels, and Literary Lions

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.

David Livingstone: The celebrated missionary and explorer, Livingstone's card depicts him in an African setting, leading an expedition. He is globally famous for his work mapping and exploring Central and Southern Africa, his anti-slavery efforts, and the famous search by Henry Morton Stanley.

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.

Duncan Forbes (of Culloden): A powerful Scottish lawyer, judge, and politician, Forbes was instrumental in suppressing the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. His card likely shows him with military or government forces, highlighting his crucial role in maintaining order for the Hanoverian government.
 

James I of Scotland: The first king of the Stuart dynasty to be named James, he ruled in the 15th century. His card shows him in a royal court setting, kneeling to receive a sword. His reign was marked by efforts to assert central royal authority after a long captivity in England.

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!

Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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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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Great Scots: A Vintage Look at Scottish History and Culture Through Cigarette Cards Set 1

I've recently started exploring a fascinating set of vintage Mitchell's Cigarettes cards from 1933. This particular series, focusing on notable figures from Scottish history, literature, and military life, is a treasure trove of cultural history. This first batch of ten cards introduces us to a diverse group—from philosophers and poets to queens and kings. They remind us how popular figures were once packaged for the masses, tucked inside a packet of cigarettes!

Let's dive into the first ten 'Great Scots' from this 50-card collection:

Philosophers and Writers

The collection highlights Scotland's incredible contributions to the world of thought and literature, featuring some of the Enlightenment's giants and later literary masters.

David Hume: Pictured with a thoughtful expression and a book, Hume is one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy. A key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, his empiricism and scepticism had a profound impact on fields ranging from metaphysics to economics.

Sir Walter Scott: The card shows the author of classics like Ivanhoe and Rob Roy sitting beside a dog. Scott was a hugely successful novelist and poet, often credited with popularizing the historical novel genre. His work played a major role in shaping the modern image of Scotland.

Sir James M. Barrie: The creator of Peter Pan, Sir James M. Barrie, is shown in a scene that looks like a formal gathering or a court setting. Barrie's enduring works, which blend fantasy and whimsy, secured his place as a beloved Scottish playwright and novelist.

James Thomson: Best known as the author of the lyrics to "Rule, Britannia!", Thomson was an influential poet and playwright of the 18th century. His works were instrumental in the development of the Romantic movement in poetry.

James Boswell: Pictured in a social setting, Boswell is famous for his detailed and compelling biography, The Life of Samuel Johnson. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest biographers in the English language.

Royalty, Legend, and War

Other cards focus on figures whose lives were defined by power, conflict, or legend.

Mary Queen of Scots: The card features her portrait alongside an illustration that appears to show her contemplating a chess game or a map with two men. Mary's tumultuous life and tragic end are central to Scottish and British history, making her a compelling and popular historical figure.

Macbeth: This card steps into the realm of legend and Shakespearean drama. The portrait of the man who was historically an 11th-century King of Scotland is accompanied by a dramatic illustration of warriors, underscoring the fierce, epic nature of his story.

The Marquis of Montrose: James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, was a staunch Royalist military commander during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. His card shows him in an outdoor, military-like scene, reflecting his career as a brilliant but ultimately tragic figure in Scottish civil war.

Donald Cameron (of Lochiel): Representing the fiercely independent spirit of the Highlands, Donald Cameron, the 19th Chief of Clan Cameron, was a major figure in the 1745 Jacobite Rising, a time of great upheaval for Scotland.

Sir John Moore: This card commemorates a great military leader. Sir John Moore was a distinguished British Army general, famous for his courageous and brilliant leadership during the Peninsular War, where he was killed at the Battle of Corunna.

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What Can These Cards Tell Us?

More than just collecting historical portraits, this set gives us a glimpse into early 20th-century popular history. The fact that Mitchell's Cigarettes chose these particular figures shows the enduring cultural resonance of Scottish history and the importance of its literary and military heroes to the public imagination in the 1930s.

Keep an eye out for the next ten cards, as we continue to unpack the "Great Scots" series!

Clicking any of the cards should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!