Collection of autographs formed by William Finlay Watson (died 1881), bookseller, Edinburgh.
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of letters and documents in the autograph of literary, political, social, artistic, naval, military, and legal celebrities, chiefly covering the period from the sixteenth century to the nineteenth.
The first 2,300 items bear numbers given in the National Galleries. Certain letters, etc., have been retained for exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery; the series is therefore not continuous (see MS.595).
Dates
- Creation: 16th century-19th century.
Conditions Governing Access
Normal access conditions apply.
Conditions Governing Use
Normal reproduction conditions apply, subject to any copyright restrictions.
Extent
23 Volumes ; Various sizes.
Language of Materials
Undetermined
Arrangement
Larger documents have been placed together in MS.600.
Custodial History
The collection was bequeathed by William Finlay Watson to the National Galleries of Scotland.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Deposited, September 1930, by the Trustees of the National Galleries of Scotland.
Bibliography
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division
- Description rules
- International Standard for Archival Description - General
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk