About this resource
This resource invites teachers to use images from the National Galleries of Scotland collection, such as Monarch of the Glen, as tools to encourage Creativity Skills and interdisciplinary learning. It is designed to meet the needs of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.
Age range
We have purposely created exercises that are not aimed at a particular level as we believe in teachers’ professional judgement; you can adapt activities to suit any group, through all stages of primary, secondary and adult learning.
Choose a theme
Introduction to The Monarch of the Glen
At a time when Scotland is defining a strong role for itself as a distinctive, modern nation, what does this image mean to us today?
Did you know…?
- It was painted by Queen Victoria’s favourite painter.
- It was commissioned in the 1850s to hang in the dining rooms of the Houses of Parliament.
- At the time it was painted, the Highland Clearances were removing poor people from their homes, to make way for commercial use of the land, such as sheep farming, stag hunting and other rich men’s sports.
- The artist painted it in his studio in London.
- The artist was incredibly persistent, spending decades drawing and painting the same themes.
- One of the most instantly recognisable images in the world, Monarch of the Glen has been reproduced in adverts and souvenirs and continues to be referenced by other artists today.
- Until 2017 the painting remained in private and corporate collections.
- Following a public appeal in 2016, donations from around the world, funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Art Fund and Scottish Government as well as the favourable terms of the owners Diageo Scotland Ltd, allowed the National Galleries of Scotland to purchase the painting for the people of Scotland.
People love it or hate it. What do you think?
Fèin-aithne Albannach: Cò aige a tha an co-dhùnadh air cò th’ annainn?
Tha an goireas seo a’ leigeil le luchd-teagaisg ìomhaighean leithid Monarc a’ Ghlinne, bhon chruinneachadh aig Gailearaidhean Nàiseanta na h-Alba, a chleachdadh mar innealan leis am faod iad Sgilean Cruthachalachd agus ionnsachadh eadar-chuspaireil a bhrosnachadh. Chaidh a dhealbhadh gus feumalachdan Curraicealam airson Sàr-mhathais a choileanadh.
This resource was developed in partnership with Hidden Giants.
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