author
James Drummond
1816–1877
Best known as a Scottish history painter with a deep interest in Edinburgh’s past, he also helped shape public art life as curator of the National Gallery of Scotland. His work often brought historical scenes and old city places vividly to life.
1 Audiobook
Highland Targets and Other Shields
by James Drummond
About the author
Born in Edinburgh on September 1, 1816, he trained as an artist and went on to build a career as a history and genre painter, draughtsman, and antiquarian. He became closely associated with the Royal Scottish Academy, where he exhibited for many years and was elected an Academician.
He had a lasting fascination with the history, traditions, and older streets of Edinburgh. Alongside painted historical subjects, he produced detailed studies of the city’s closes, buildings, and landmarks, helping preserve a visual record of places that were changing in the nineteenth century.
Later in life, he served as curator of the National Gallery of Scotland from 1868 until his death on August 12, 1877. He is also noted as an early photographer, adding another dimension to a career centered on recording people, places, and the past.