Sailor’s Valentine, Black History Month
This is a very good example of a sailor’s valentine of the 1850s in the Stirling Smith collections. It is currently one of the objects highlighted for Black History Month. Sailor’s valentines were made from tiny sea shells arranged in interesting patterns and encased in octagonal glazed boxes. Tradition has
Annie Croall, Founder of the Stirling’s Children’s Home
Founder of the Stirling’s Children’s Home, Annie Knight Croall (1854-1927) is one of the unsung heroines of Scottish history. She was the daughter of the first curator of the Smith Institute, and came from Leeds to Stirling at the age of 19. A deeply spiritual person, her work for neglected
Freedom is Best, Joan Sommerville
This watercolour by Joan Somerville represents the followers of William Wallace awaiting the English army before the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The Latin inscription beneath is the lesson taught to Wallace by his uncle, the Priest of Dunipace: Freedom is best, I tell thee true Of all things
Chains and Slavery – The Craigengelt Slave Window
This window in the church of the Holy Rude is dedicated to the memory of Provost John Dick of Craigengelt (died 12 April 1865) and is most unusual in having a black man in chains before Christ. The subject is ‘Come unto me all ye that labour.’ (Matthew 11, 28)
Professor Hans Meidner
Hans Meidner was a well-known and respected figure during his life in Stirling. He was German by birth but his anti-Nazi activities forced him to flee, and he became a scientist in South Africa, where he was a strong supporter of Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. Hans came to
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