John Harris after P. Cleland

The Landing of Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Aberdeen.

29 x 23

A large-scale aquatint in original hand colour, engraved by John Harris after Cleland and published in London in 1849.

We all know about the late queen's fascination with the Highlands, and Balmoral in particular, but this scene depicting Queen Victoria and Prince Albert arriving at Aberdeen in September 1848 was the first time a British monarch had visited the city in over 200 years. The royal couple are accompanied by three of their children, The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal and Prince Alfred. To their immediate left are Mr. Abernethy (holding the mace) and Alex Nicoll, the shore master. The dashing soldiers to their right are Captain Fordyce and Admiral Gordon.

Unlike so many trips to Scotland these days, the journey took a lot less time than anticipated and the Royal Yacht arrived at the quay in Aberdeen 7 hours early. In order not to disappoint the crowds, the royal party remained on board until all the dignitaries were assembled. An enormous (37' high) and very impressive wooden arch had been constructed to mark the occasion and here we see it dominating the scene complete with royal standards, the royal coat of arms and the words "Victoria Welcome" incorporated within its construction. The message here is very clear: Scotland is firmly a part of the union and the queen is welcomed both as a mother to her children and the mother of the nation. It is interesting to note that with the exception of the queen and her daughter the only women present are confined to a viewing platform to the far right of the spectacle! Additional scrutiny reveals a rather dowdy bonnet and tartan shawl worn by the queen offset by a magnificent array of bushy sideburns sported by the vast majority of the men.

£975