Mary Queen of Scots' Final Letter to be Displayed in Rare Exhibition
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mary Queen of Scots' final letter, written hours before her execution in 1587, will be displayed at Perth Museum.
- The letter, last shown in 2017 for a single day, is part of an exhibition highlighting Mary's story and legacy.
- The exhibition includes items from the National Library of Scotland and features works inspired by Mary, such as Robert Burns' poem.
- The letter, written in French, expresses Mary's innocence and her Catholic faith, and requests payment for her servants.
- Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the manuscript, which is usually stored securely at the National Library of Scotland.
The final letter penned by Mary Queen of Scots, just hours before her execution in 1587, is set to be displayed at Perth Museum in a rare public exhibition. This significant historical document, written in French to her brother-in-law King Henry III of France, will be part of a broader exhibition aimed at bringing Mary's dramatic story to life.
A Glimpse into History
Mary wrote the letter at 2 a.m. on February 8, 1587, from her prison cell at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, just six hours before her execution. In it, she asserts her innocence, expresses her Catholic faith, and requests that her servants' wages be paid. The letter, a poignant testament to her final hours, is usually kept in secure storage at the National Library of Scotland due to its delicate condition.
Exhibition Details and Cultural Significance
The exhibition at Perth Museum marks the first time in nearly a decade that the letter will be on public display. It last appeared for a single day in 2017 at the National Library of Scotland, drawing long queues of visitors eager to glimpse the historic manuscript. The exhibition will also feature a companion display at the AK Bell Library, showcasing items like Robert Burns' poem "Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring" and manuscripts from Liz Lochhead's play "Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off."
Preserving a Priceless Artifact
Conservation experts emphasize the importance of protecting the letter from damage, particularly from light exposure, to ensure its preservation for future generations. Shona Hunter, a conservator at the National Library of Scotland, highlights the delicate balance between public access and preservation.
A Homecoming for Mary
Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences and learning at Culture Perth and Kinross, describes the exhibition as a "homecoming" for the letter, given Mary's historical ties to the region. The display is part of a broader effort to celebrate and explore the enduring legacy of Mary Queen of Scots, whose life and tragic end continue to captivate audiences.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The exhibition of Mary Queen of Scots' final letter at Perth Museum is likely to attract significant public interest, given the historical and cultural importance of the document. This event could spark renewed discussions on Mary's legacy and her impact on Scottish history. Experts may explore the political and religious tensions of her time, providing deeper insights into her life and the circumstances leading to her execution. The exhibition also underscores the importance of preserving historical manuscripts, highlighting the ongoing efforts to balance public access with conservation needs.
Mary Queen of Scots' Final Letter to be Displayed in Rare Exhibition
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Mary Queen of Scots' final letter, written hours before her execution in 1587, will be displayed at Perth Museum.
- The letter, last shown in 2017 for a single day, is part of an exhibition highlighting Mary's story and legacy.
- The exhibition includes items from the National Library of Scotland and features works inspired by Mary, such as Robert Burns' poem.
- The letter, written in French, expresses Mary's innocence and her Catholic faith, and requests payment for her servants.
- Conservation efforts are crucial to protect the manuscript, which is usually stored securely at the National Library of Scotland.
The final letter penned by Mary Queen of Scots, just hours before her execution in 1587, is set to be displayed at Perth Museum in a rare public exhibition. This significant historical document, written in French to her brother-in-law King Henry III of France, will be part of a broader exhibition aimed at bringing Mary's dramatic story to life.
A Glimpse into History
Mary wrote the letter at 2 a.m. on February 8, 1587, from her prison cell at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, just six hours before her execution. In it, she asserts her innocence, expresses her Catholic faith, and requests that her servants' wages be paid. The letter, a poignant testament to her final hours, is usually kept in secure storage at the National Library of Scotland due to its delicate condition.
Exhibition Details and Cultural Significance
The exhibition at Perth Museum marks the first time in nearly a decade that the letter will be on public display. It last appeared for a single day in 2017 at the National Library of Scotland, drawing long queues of visitors eager to glimpse the historic manuscript. The exhibition will also feature a companion display at the AK Bell Library, showcasing items like Robert Burns' poem "Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring" and manuscripts from Liz Lochhead's play "Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off."
Preserving a Priceless Artifact
Conservation experts emphasize the importance of protecting the letter from damage, particularly from light exposure, to ensure its preservation for future generations. Shona Hunter, a conservator at the National Library of Scotland, highlights the delicate balance between public access and preservation.
A Homecoming for Mary
Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences and learning at Culture Perth and Kinross, describes the exhibition as a "homecoming" for the letter, given Mary's historical ties to the region. The display is part of a broader effort to celebrate and explore the enduring legacy of Mary Queen of Scots, whose life and tragic end continue to captivate audiences.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The exhibition of Mary Queen of Scots' final letter at Perth Museum is likely to attract significant public interest, given the historical and cultural importance of the document. This event could spark renewed discussions on Mary's legacy and her impact on Scottish history. Experts may explore the political and religious tensions of her time, providing deeper insights into her life and the circumstances leading to her execution. The exhibition also underscores the importance of preserving historical manuscripts, highlighting the ongoing efforts to balance public access with conservation needs.