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An exhibition of paintings by
Andrew Geddes, entitled "A Man of Pure Taste" was held at the
National Gallery of Scotland. It included a drawing by Geddes of
the moment when Sir Walter Scott rediscovered the Scottish crown
jewels on 4 February, 1818. The jewels had disappeared after the
Treaty of Union in 1707 and Sir Walter had been given special
permission to search for them in Edinburgh Castle. They were
found in a sealed room in a large oak chest which had to be
broken open as there was no longer any key. The rediscovery was
regarded as one of the most important events of that time and
Geddes, as a noted artist, had been invited to participate so
that the scene could be recorded for posterity. The Scottish
crown jewels are the oldest in the British Isles and the sceptre
was in use from the 15th century until the crowning of King
Charles II at Scone in 1651. |
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