An Indelible Impression?

Archives and Collections – Object of the Month – May 2019

The RCS Archives and Collections contain a wonderland of fascinating and unusual objects. These include a visitor book signed by Charles Dickens and various musical instruments that have survived centuries of use. However, some comparatively recent artefacts are fading into the mist of time much more quickly. One such item is the Archives and Collections Object of the Month, for May 2019.

Dr Tommy Smith (now Head of Jazz at RCS) commissioned the acclaimed Scottish poet Edwin Morgan to write a set of poems about famous figures from Scottish history, which Dr Smith then set to music in a song cycle called The Sons and Daughters of Alba. Morgan faxed the poems to Smith, and these original (if that’s the right word) faxed copies now reside in the RCS Archive. It is one of these works, ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ which is on display in the Whittaker Library. You may need to step in close to read it, but it will be worth the extra effort! The poem describes the eventful life of Mary Stuart, from her childhood to her infamous execution.

There is an irony in a poem about a woman who left a profound mark on Scottish identity and culture being presented on a medium which is rapidly erasing itself. Early fax machines often used thermal (heat transfer) printers when receiving and reproducing information, with rolls of thermal paper as their printing medium.  This meant that whatever was reconstituted as a fax (facsimile or copy) could only be in black and white, but it also meant that whatever was printed would fade over time, and eventually become unreadable. It’s almost as if the words are being swallowed by the “Swirling mist on Inchmahome” described in the poem.

While it is still visible, why not pop over to the Whittaker Library to take a look at this rare work from one of the most prolific and accomplished Scottish poets of all time.


Want to know more?

Contact: archives@rcs.ac.uk