Painter and Limner facts for kids
The Painter and Limner is a special job in the Royal Household in Scotland. This person is like the official artist for the King or Queen! They used to draw pictures of the monarch, their family, and other important people. These artworks would then decorate royal homes and palaces.
This position has been around for a long time. Records show that Court Painters were appointed as early as 1581. The specific title "Painter and Limner" was created in 1702 for an artist named George Ogilvie.
What Did the Painter and Limner Do?
The main duty of the Painter and Limner was to create portraits and other artworks for the royal family. They were expected to capture the likeness of the monarch and their relatives. These paintings helped to decorate the royal residences, making them look grand and important.
For a while, from 1723 to 1823, the job became a "sinecure". This means it was a paid position that didn't require much actual work. Members of the Abercrombie family held it, even if they weren't artists themselves!
However, things changed in 1823. A famous Scottish artist named Sir Henry Raeburn was appointed. This marked a return to giving the job to truly talented artists. After him, another well-known artist, David Wilkie, took over.
How the Job Changed Over Time
The role of the Painter and Limner has evolved. From 1841 until 1932, the person holding the job received a salary of £100. That was a good amount of money back then!
Since 1932, the position has been unpaid. Also, the artist is no longer required to create artworks specifically for the monarch or the state. It's more of an honorary title now, recognizing a great Scottish artist.
The way artists were appointed also changed. Before 1864, appointments were made using the Privy Seal. This was a special seal used for important royal documents. Since 1908, appointments have been made by a "warrant under the royal sign manual." This means the monarch signs a document directly to appoint the artist.
The last person to hold this important title was Dame Elizabeth Blackadder. She held the position from 2001 until she passed away in 2021.
Who Held This Royal Art Job?
Many famous Scottish artists have held the title of Painter and Limner. Here are the artists who have held the office since 1823:
- Henry Raeburn: 9 May 1823 – 8 July 1823
- David Wilkie: 16 July 1823 – 1 June 1841
- William Allan: 19 July 1841 – 23 February 1850
- Sir John Watson Gordon: 23 March 1850 – 1 June 1864
- Sir Joseph Noel Paton: 8 July 1864 – 26 December 1901
- The job was empty from 1901 to 1908.
- Robert Gibb: 25 June 1908 – 11 February 1932
- Sir David Young Cameron: 16 June 1933 – 16 September 1945
- The job was empty from 1945 to 1948.
- Stanley Cursiter: 2 August 1948 – 22 April 1976
- David Donaldson: 12 October 1977 – 22 August 1996
- Dame Elizabeth Blackadder: 2001–2021
