I imagine the first question anyone will ask is what is a column called "Scottish Flotsam". I guess we will have to begin with what is "flotsam". Among the definitions of the word are "things washed ashore" or "miscellaneous trifles". Well, we believe you can find some great treasure on the ocean shore. But -- you will never know what you will find or its value. So we decided that is what this column is - flotsam. We wanted a place to put things that didn't fit anywhere else and might be of interest. Each item could be a column itself and might be some day but for now it will be the flotsam, which washes our way.

Sir Henry Raeburn (1756-1823)

Born in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh on 4 March, 1756, Raeburn was educated at George Heriot's and initially became an apprenticed goldsmith in the city in 1772. But he started painting water-colour miniatures of his friends and later began painting portraits in oils. He came to the notice of David Martin who was at that time the leading portrait painter in Edinburgh.

In 1778 he married a widow with independent means, which allowed Raeburn to spend more time on painting. He was advised by Joshua Reynolds to go to Italy and he spent time in Rome between 1785-86. On his return to Edinburgh he began to paint all the most notable Scotsmen (and Scotswomen) of his day. He developed from bust-sized figures to full length portraits. His reputation also spread from Edinburgh to London.

He moved into a studio in 32 York Place in the centre of Edinburgh in 1798 - the high windows which he installed to give him as much daylight as possible, are there to this day. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh are rich in his works. In particular, his portraits of Mrs James Campbell, Sir Walter Scott and Sir John Sinclair are highly regarded. Perhaps these days he is best remembered for his portrait of "Rev Robert Walker Skating". He also painted two Highland chieftains - "MacDonell of Glengarry" and "The McNab" embodying the romantic ideals of his day. Raeburn was elected to the Royal Academy in 1815 and was knighted in 1822 (at Hopetoun House, during the visit of King George IV to Scotland).

Raeburn died on 8 July 1823, having spent most of his working life in Scotland.

Source: http://www.rampantscotland.com/famous/blfamraeburn.htm

It is time to stop combing the library but we can not quit without some quotes from Quotable Scots another great History bookshelf resident. Let's see what quotes we can find.

The Sea And Seafaring

Alang the shore
The greinan white sea-owsen ramp and roar.
Tom Scott (1918-1995), Auld Sanct-Aundrians

Tuig thus' an t-eathar, 's tuigidh an t-eathar thu

Understand the boat, and the boat will understand you.

You can find more articles in the archive under Scottish Flotsam.