About this artwork

Archibald Campbell's military career reflects the close  relationship between Britain's empire and its armed forces. The son of the chamberlain to the Duke of Argyll, Campbell was educated at Glasgow University and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. As an officer of the Engineers, he took part in expeditions to the French Coast and the West Indies, seeing action in Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and Grenada. After secondment in Bengal and a command in the American Revolutionary War, he returned to the Caribbean as lieutenant governor and then governor of Jamaica, spending four years on the Island and reorganising its defences. He finished his career as governor of Madras, returning to Scotland shortly before his death in 1791.

Romney's portrait shows Campbell at the end of his life. He wears his Major General's uniform and Star of the Order of the Bath, the rewards of imperial service symbolised by Fort George, Madras, in the background.

Updated before 2020

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

George Romney

George Romney