An exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland will show Mary Queen of Scots in a new light with some items on display which have not been seen in public before.
Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland, said: “Mary’s story is so often told through the words of the men who sought to defeat her in the 1560s, and her autonomy downplayed or dismissed entirely, but she was far from passive. She was famed for her beauty, vivacity and ability to charm. Raised at the sophisticated French court, she was well-educated, had an extensive library and spoke several languages.
“This exhibition will explore different versions of Mary, those she inhabited and those portrayed by others, telling a story of Renaissance and resistance.”
A story retold
Mary’s story is well-known. She was only a teenager when she returned from France to the country of her birth where there was religious turmoil. The Protestant Reformation infiltrated all lives, but especially the young Queen’s. She was overthrown six years after returning to Scotland, and the country was transformed.
The Penicuik Jewels which are on display are emblematic of the age which was shaped by the European Renaissance. Beautiful objects were made and worn, just as they were in Renaissance Europe.
The history of the 16th century comes to life with the English meddling in Scottish affairs, men trying to overthrow Mary’s government and afterwards the government of her infant son, James.
The group which overthrew her and forced the young queen to abdicate then recreated her story as an unstable adulteress who was implicated in her husband Darnley’s murder. Mary was demonised by the political rebels, shown in letters from the period – some of which were kept in the spectacular silver casket which will be on show.
Mary’s eventual fate was execution, but before then she is often thought of as a woman always dressed in black. Instead the exhibition will show her in Renaissance pink wearing strings of pearls in the portrait by François Clouet, lent by His Majesty the King from the Royal Collection.
Tickets are available from nms.ac.uk/MQS and entry is free for National Museums Scotland members.
This exhibition is made possible with the support of the Mary Stewart Giving Circle and the K.T. Wiedemann Foundation.
- Mary, Queen of Scots: Renaissance and Resistance until 14 November 2027
- National Museum of Scotland,
- Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
- Tickets are available from nms.ac.uk/MQS
