About this artwork

Ferguson, the eldest son of the famous philosopher, Professor Adam Ferguson, met Sir Walter Scott when they were both students at the University of Edinburgh. They remained life-long friends; Scott said that Ferguson had 'the lightest and most airy temper with the best and kindliest disposition'. Following his retirement from the army in 1817, Ferguson was appointed Keeper of the Regalia of Scotland, which had recently been re-discovered with Scott’s assistance. Ferguson received a knighthood from George IV during the King’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Charles Lees (1800 - 1880) Scottish
  • title:
    Professor Sir Adam Ferguson, 1771 - 1855. Soldier; friend of Sir Walter Scott
  • date created:
    About 1849
  • materials:
    Oil on millboard
  • measurements:
    25.40 x 20.40 cm; Framed: 40.00 x 35.00 x 3.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Given by T.L. Galloway 1936
  • accession number:
    PG 1304
  • gallery:
  • depicted:
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Charles Lees

Charles Lees