Friends of Argyll Estates Archives

Description

This is your chance to own a faithful reproduction of James Turnbull’s glorious 1768/9 survey of the Isle of Tiree. The original hand-coloured plan is over 2 metres long and rarely leaves the archive. This limited edition print has been reduced in size to 1000 x 682 mm (1 m x 68.2 cm) – perfect for mounting and framing!

The prints have been specially produced using heavyweight satin photopaper, and the colours have been carefully matched to the original to create an authentic copy of this beautiful and important example of the eighteenth-century surveyor’s art.

In July 1768, John Campbell, 4th duke of Argyll, commissioned the surveyor James Turnbull to plan and accurately measure the islands of Tiree and Gunna, as well as the duke’s lands in the island of Coll. Turnbull was also required to report on the number of inhabitants in Tiree, the state of manufacturing in the island, and the overall situation with regard to agriculture – all highly relevant in terms of future land management and the generation of rental income.

It took Turnbull and his small team of field assistants a total of 360 days to carry out the commission, which cost the duke a total £244 and 14 shillings. This included £1, 19 shillings and sixpence for ‘Pasting the Plans of Tiry, [and] Coll on Linen, and puting the same on Rollers’. Sadly, the plan of Coll has not survived, but that of Tiree (and a smaller copy) with its accompanying written survey and report remains one of the jewels in Argyll Estates Archives.

Transcripts of Turnbull’s account with the duke, detailing his expenses, as well as lists of the numbers of inhabitants in Tiree and the content of farms there, can be found on our online catalogue: Information object browse – Argyll Estates Archives, Inveraray Castle

Prints will be carefully packaged in sturdy cardboard tubes for shipping via Royal Mail. International postage rates are automatically calculated at checkout. 

Members of the Friends are entitled to a 20% discount on this item! Please ensure you are logged-in to your Friends account to claim your discount.