An exploration of the work of Scottish artist, war artist and war correspondent, William Simpson (1823 – 1899).

A project has recently been completed to catalogue, research and digitise 246 art works relating to William Simpson’s career as a “Special Artist” for the ‘Illustrated London News’, during which he travelled to India, Ethiopia / Abyssinia, France, China, Afghanistan & Russia. Many of the sketches he made were reproduced in the ILN, and in beautifully printed books. His adventures were legendary, and included attending the weddings of kings and emperors, documenting the archaeology of Ancient Greece, and being arrested as a spy. His passion for learning about these cultures shine through his work but must be viewed through the lens of colonialism and orientalism. The illustrations of “picturesque people” may be seen in the context of war against, and colonisation of, their countries.