Cumberland
- Artist:
- Type: Print
- Production Date: 1975
- Copy Number: 6
- Edition: 100
- Description: This is one of a series of designs for a pack of Scottish Historical Playing Cards, designed in the mid 1970s. They were commissioned by the Stirling Gallery, owned by Angus Ogilvy, one of the University's first alumni. Each of the character cards in the pack is a figure significant to Scottish history.
Cumberland is the Jack of Diamonds in this set (the King is Wm of Orange and the Queen is Mary, wife of Wm of Orange).
The Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765) led government troops against Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden. He is often known as the Butcher Cumberland after his instruction to "give no measure" after the end of the battle, resulting in the butchery of many men.
The 9 of diamonds is known as the Curse of Scotland because it resembles the nine lozenges forming the arms of the Sir John Dalrymple, the Earl of Stair, who was especially loathed for his connection with the Massacre of Glencoe and the union with England in 1707. It is likely that this is the reason why the diamonds is the suit in this set which contains figures known for oppressing Scotland: William and Mary and Cumberland.
'Augustus William, Duke of Cumberland was George II's soldier son, the same age as his distant cousin Charles whom he defeated with Germanic efficiency at Culloden when they were both 25. Fat, ruthless and thorough.'
Text from original leaflet produced by Stirling Gallery. - Digital Copy:A digital copy exists.
- Location: Pathfoot E Corridor
- Related Material: AC/AF/R/10
- Related Material: AC/OF/1975/23
- Accession Number: 1975.23
- Contact: University of Stirling Art Collection
