Sergeant J Craig, Forfar Volunteer Artillery, 1870 (c)

Oil on canvas by unknown artist, 1870 (c).

The 1st Artillery Volunteer Corps in Forfar was originally formed at Arbroath in Scotland in 1859. Six more corps were formed by December the following year when all seven corps were combined to form the 1st Administrative Brigade, Forfarshire Artillery Volunteers. In 1880 the brigade became the 1st Forfar Artillery Volunteers. In 1908, as a result of the re-organisation of the Territorial Force, they became part of the North Scottish Royal Garrison Artillery and a battery of the 210 Highland Brigade Royal Field Artillery.

On top of the stack of travelling trunks is Sergeant Craig's black fur busby with a plain red bag and a white plume, while his undress forage cap hangs on the wall above. In the upper left corner of the painting is a framed certificate which relates to Craig's life as a Freemason and is that of the Third Degree of Masonry. Other curious features of this interior, such as the rolled-back edge of the cloth which covers the carpet, may have deliberate significance in the painting. Certainly it is thought to contain other masonic symbols, which could also have a bearing on Craig's occupation in civilian life.