Smith Art Gallery & Museum | Details | Incorporation of Tailors’ banner

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Actions Displays	Incorporation of Tailors’ banner Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number09210 TitleIncorporation of Tailors’ banner DescriptionThe flag of the Incorporation of Tailors is one of the most fragile and beautifully crafted objects in our collection. Painted on silk cloth, the golden elements highlight what a treasure this object really is. It is the work of Stirling artist and house-painter Robert Mitchell (1803-1845). In pride of place is Robert Spittal (c1480-1558), master tailor to the court of James IV and his wife Margaret Tudor. His status is reflected in the dapper outfit and golden scissors, the symbol of his trade. Spittal became very wealthy from this royal patronage. He used his money not only to build bridges and provide in his will for local people in need, but also to set up the hospital which bore his name. Spittal’s legacy is clearly written: “The Shears of this MAN have done more good to Mankind than the Swords of Conquerors”. The flag was commissioned by the Tailors in 1830 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Spittal’s Hospital and the legacy of this local philanthropist. The 1830s were a time of great political change. Working people wanted the right to vote and the Trades would have held banners just like this on marches proclaiming their support of the Reform Bill. Have a closer look at Robert Spittal. In his left hand he carries a small banner which states: “The Liberal Man desireth Liberal Things”. A not-so-subtle political statement and a reference to the reformist Liberal Party of the times? Production date 1830 Object nameFlag, Trades Banner Textiles Materialsilk Dimensions whole Width: 93 in whole Height: 58 in

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number09210

TitleIncorporation of Tailors’ banner

DescriptionThe flag of the Incorporation of Tailors is one of the most fragile and beautifully crafted objects in our collection. Painted on silk cloth, the golden elements highlight what a treasure this object really is. It is the work of Stirling artist and house-painter Robert Mitchell (1803-1845). In pride of place is Robert Spittal (c1480-1558), master tailor to the court of James IV and his wife Margaret Tudor. His status is reflected in the dapper outfit and golden scissors, the symbol of his trade. Spittal became very wealthy from this royal patronage. He used his money not only to build bridges and provide in his will for local people in need, but also to set up the hospital which bore his name. Spittal’s legacy is clearly written: “The Shears of this MAN have done more good to Mankind than the Swords of Conquerors”. The flag was commissioned by the Tailors in 1830 to mark the 300th anniversary of the founding of Spittal’s Hospital and the legacy of this local philanthropist. The 1830s were a time of great political change. Working people wanted the right to vote and the Trades would have held banners just like this on marches proclaiming their support of the Reform Bill. Have a closer look at Robert Spittal. In his left hand he carries a small banner which states: “The Liberal Man desireth Liberal Things”. A not-so-subtle political statement and a reference to the reformist Liberal Party of the times?

Production date 1830

Object nameFlag, Trades Banner

Textiles

Materialsilk

Dimensions

whole Width: 93 in
whole Height: 58 in