Armchair, associated with the Douglas of Glenbervie Family

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This oak armchair has a panel carved with the genealogy of the Douglas of Glenbervie family. It dates from 1665.

The panel with the genealogy of family is on the back of the armchair, between two uprights. The genealogy ends with Sir William Douglas of Glenbervie. The panel also bears the Douglas emblem - the heart - and motto 'James arriere' or 'Never behind'.

The chair reflects the pride and self-consciousness of the Douglas clan who, in the Middle Ages, had been kingmakers. Their emblem derives from the fact that the Sir James Douglas was entrusted with Robert the Bruce's heart after his death in 1329.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-224-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KN 9
• Date: 1665
  
• Material: Wood, oak. Inscription: On panel on back: the genealogy of the Douglas of Glenbervie family, ending with Sir William Douglas of Glenbervie
  Armchair
  
• Dimensions: 1120 mm H x 520 mm L x 620 mm W
  
• What: Armchair
  
• Subject: Furniture (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Douglas of Glenbervie family (Owner)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Armchair of oak, the back with a panel carved with the genealogy of the Douglas of Glenbervie family, dated 1665
  
• References:
  • Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland 88 
• Translations:
• Related Records: