Scotland, 1902-1904 1902 - 1904

Curator: At first glance, this small leather book with gold detailing exudes a sense of restrained elegance. Editor: Indeed. It’s so compact, it feels like a treasured secret held within. The author's initials, L.H.W., suggest a personal, perhaps even intimate, history. Curator: This is "Scotland, 1902-1904" by Leslie Hamilton Wilson, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. These types of personal travel albums were particularly popular among the upper classes during this period. Editor: Scotland, then, conjures images of heather-covered hills and ancient castles. The leather's texture hints at durability, suggesting a journey undertaken and a story carefully preserved. Curator: Precisely. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture of travel and documentation at the turn of the century. These albums were often displayed and circulated within elite social circles. Editor: I wonder what stories it contains. What symbols of Scotland did Wilson choose to record, and what personal meanings did they hold? Curator: It really is a tangible piece of social history, revealing much about the artistic and cultural values that shaped the early 20th century. Editor: Absolutely, and reflecting on the power of small, curated objects to convey complex narratives and personal identities.