On the back wall of the museum room are photographic reproductions of 19 watercolour sketches by Lord Archibald Campbell. The original sketchbook is part of the archive of the Duke of Argyll held at Inveraray.
Lord Archibald Campbell Exhibition 2024
Lord Archibald Campbell (1846-1913) was the second son of George Campbell 8th Duke of Argyll (1823-1900). In 1874 the 8th Duke purchased much of the southern half of Lismore including Kilcheran House, the largest house on the island. There are several records of visits by the Duke and his family to the island.
It is thought the paintings may have been done during a visit in 1875 when he was 29. He spent some time serving in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and may, as an officer, have received training in sketching as a means of recording terrain for military purposes. During his lifetime Lord Archibald recorded his extensive travels using watercolour paintings in notebooks. He showed remarkable skill in rapidly producing outdoor paintings in what is known as the “plein air“ style.
Each of the 19 wide-ranging images has some explanatory words and they include Tirefour Broch, Loch Fiart, Sailean, Lismore Lighthouse, Achinduin Castle and Castle Coeffin and much more.
All Reproduction By Kind Permission of the Duke of Argyll, Argyll Estate Archives Ref ARG/10/03/18
Ann Carmichael with Archibald Knox art 2024
Beneath the paintings is a tribute to Archibald Knox and his mother, Ann Carmichael from Baligrundle. Archibald Knox is best known as being Liberty’s designer at the height of their success.
In a glass cabinet just inside the door are items from the original exhibition in 2007 and, throughout the museum room, the information boards, illustrating various aspects of the history and heritage of Lismore, are as relevant today as when the Museum opened on the 17 March 2007.
Artefacts from 2007 exhibition
St Moluag in permanent Museum exhibition 2024