They Just Don't Make 'Em The Way They Used To...

A post for all you medievalists out there today...

The eagle-eyed amongst you will note that this is an alternative location for blogging (yes, it's my lunch hour...).  I won't be posting my regular offering as I'll be at a public meeting for the Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project this evening.

A number of my posts to date have highlighted the works of previous generations of archaeologists and antiquarians.  Okay, sometimes their methods get criticised, especially when it comes to their excavation techniques (Quick!  Let's excavate six barrows before dinner!!). 

But one thing they can't be faulted on is their illustration skills.  The 19th century books and journals are full of plans, sections, elevations and finds illustrations that are works of art in their own right.  I've featured illustrations by the Glasgow architects MacGibbon and Ross previously, so, because it's topical, I'll turn the spotlight on to another Glasgow architect (and antiquarian/archaeologist) William Galloway today.

Galloway wrote a paper on Kilwinning Abbey (published in a rather obscure journal entitled the Archaeological and Historical Collections of Ayr and Wigton) following excavations he undertook on the site in 1878.  In true 19th century antiquarian tradition, his paper is lavishly illustrated with the most magnificent artwork:-

 

This is just one of nine plates, most of which feature architectural features such as doorways and windows.  The Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project Facebook has uploaded images of all these illustrations, so if you're interesting in seeing more, please click on the link below:-

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=27263&id=140720685942891
 

Do take a look - they're lovely!!

They Just Don't Make 'Em The Way They Used To...

A post for all you medievalists out there today...

The eagle-eyed amongst you will note that this is an alternative location for blogging (yes, it's my lunch hour...).  I won't be posting my regular offering as I'll be at a public meeting for the Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project this evening.

A number of my posts to date have highlighted the works of previous generations of archaeologists and antiquarians.  Okay, sometimes their methods get criticised, especially when it comes to their excavation techniques (Quick!  Let's excavate six barrows before dinner!!). 

But one thing they can't be faulted on is their illustration skills.  The 19th century books and journals are full of plans, sections, elevations and finds illustrations that are works of art in their own right.  I've featured illustrations by the Glasgow architects MacGibbon and Ross previously, so, because it's topical, I'll turn the spotlight on to another Glasgow architect (and antiquarian/archaeologist) William Galloway today.

Galloway wrote a paper on Kilwinning Abbey (published in a rather obscure journal entitled the Archaeological and Historical Collections of Ayr and Wigton) following excavations he undertook on the site in 1878.  In true 19th century antiquarian tradition, his paper is lavishly illustrated with the most magnificent artwork:-

 

This is just one of nine plates, most of which feature architectural features such as doorways and windows.  The Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project Facebook has uploaded images of all these illustrations, so if you're interesting in seeing more, please click on the link below:-

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=27263&id=140720685942891
 

Do take a look - they're lovely!!