Print of Gordon Castle, Moray - from the Hutton Collection

This fine print shows the front view of Gordon Castle, which is located near Fochabers, in Moray. In the foreground of the picture is a kilt-wearing Scottish soldier - most likely a Gordon Highlander - courting his sweetheart. While the print was made in 1819, the identity of the artist is not known - however, it is quite likely to have been Hutton himself. George Henry Hutton (d. 1827), was a professional soldier and amateur antiquary. English by birth, he had an avid interest in Scottish monastic history, and built up an extensive collection of drawings, writings and artefacts relating mainly to ecclesiastic sites. Hutton himself made sketches of many sites, and also commissioned drawings and architectural plans from friends and professionals. Despite speculation among his contemporaries that he intended to produce a Scottish Monasticon, Hutton always insisted this research was purely for his own interest. The Hutton Collection is now held by the National Library of Scotland, and these drawings date mainly from 1781-92 and 1811-20. Designed by John Baxter, the modern castle - or rather palace - was built in 1769 for the 4th Duke of Gordon. Baxter's design replaced the original castle that had been built during the 1470s for George Gordon, the 2nd Earl of Huntly. The port and songwriter, Robert Burns, visited the castle during his Highland tour, and immortalised it in his song, 'Castle Gordon'.

Collection

Hutton Drawings

Inventory Number

4502915

Title

Print of Gordon Castle, Moray - from the Hutton Collection

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 172 x 120mm