COCKBURN, Lt-General Sir William, of that Ilk, 6th Baronet (1768/9–1835)

Album containing 78 sepia watercolours, with 6 Edinburgh views, many in Scotland, also a number of Welsh views and a handful in England, dated 1819–1822

500 x 328mm; 79 leaves, with 78 drawings fixed to heavy album stock

An impressive collection of picturesque views, by the soldier and Highland revivalist Sir William Cockburn (1768/9–1835), including views of Edinburgh, Roslin Chapel, many Highland scenes, and Holy Island.

Cockburn was a celebrated military officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-General following campaigns in America, the Caribbean, Ireland and India. Later in his life Cockburn retired to Bath, where he lived at 4 Lansdowne Crescent. He was a member of the Highland Society of London, and amassed one of the most important collections of ‘hard tartans’ (water resistant tartans in extensive use prior to the notorious ‘Dress Act’ of 1746, which prohibited the wearing of Highland Dress), the collection now held at The Mitchell Library, Glasgow.

The album is further evidence of Cockburn’s ‘Highland Romanticism’: alongside a handful of views of England and Wales he has painted more than 60 Scottish views, including an attractive series around Edinburgh Castle.

Cockburn’s authorship is indicated through the removal of an illustration of Cockburn Castle – “Sent to H.H.C. Cockburn”, dated November 1912. In 1913 Foulis duly issued Harry Cockburn’s The Records of the Cockburn Family, recording William Cockburn as the ‘excellent artist’ of the scene.

Very good condition: leather binding weak but holding; drawings generally in excellent condition, with faint marking where affixed, and one drawing torn to the top-right corner as a result of the adhesive.