All About Edinburgh
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Inside the Gallery
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery
Queen Street Edinburgh
Scottish National Portrait Gallery was built in the 1890. All the portraits are from Scottish history, painted by a range of major European and American masters. The gallery also displays sculptures, miniatures and photographs. Unique visual history of Scotland told through the portraits of those who shaped it, from the 16th century to the present. They include Mary Queen of Scots, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Sean Connery. It also houses the National Photography Collection. Before entering the Gallery look at the carved statues that stand around the building all are named below.
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery Founder
John Ritchie Findlay founder of the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland and donor of the building it stands in. He was born at Arbroath 21 October 1824 and educated in Edinburgh. Became the owner of the Scotsman Newspaper which his great uncle had founded. Championed his workers living conditions by building houses in the Dean Village for their use (Well Court, Hawthorn Buildings and Dean Path Buildings), also was active in achieving the admission of women to the University of Edinburgh Medical School. He lived in 3 Rothesay Terrace in the west end of Edinburgh in a house that he had built for his family. On his death he was buried beside his great uncle John Findlay in Dean Cemetery.
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery Library
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery Library or Scottish biographical and portraiture library on the first floor has many interesting things to see. There are many reference books and catalogues which cover a wide category. Marble bust of the famous and life and death masks of the infamous and famous. Many miniatures that will keep you amazed at the skills
Burke and Hare
Death Masks
The death masks of two of the most infamous of Edinburgh’s historic residents William Burke and William Hare the murderous duo of the West Port.
Robert the Bruce
Death Masks
In addition the death masks of Robert the Bruce (King Robert I) hero or Villain
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery
Robert Burns Statue
The large statue of Robert Burns as you enter. This Statue originally was on the Burns Monument that stands in Regent Road opposite the Royal High School on Calton Hill.
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery
There are many busts all around the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Certainly the place to see what the famous residents and icons of Scotland looked like. With famous portraits, landscapes and modern art, a great place to spend a few hours with free entry.
Statues Outside
Scottish National
Portrait Gallery
Go to Queen Street for all the statues on the outside of the building and who they are.
1st Viscount Duncan, Saint Margaret, George Buchanan, Cardinal David Beaton, 2nd Duke of Argyll,
Sir Ralph Abercrombie, David Hume, Adam Smith,
Sir Henry Raeburn, 1st Viscount Stair, Gavin Douglas, King James VI and I,
King James I, King Alexander III, Sir James Douglas, King James V, Sir David Lindsay,
James Hutton, John Hunter, John Knox, John Napier, William Maitland,
John Lesley, Kleio Daughter of Zeus, King Malcolm III,
Earl of Moray, William Wallace,
Mary Queen of Scots, Robert the Bruce