Mitchell Library

Display - Prince Alemayehu and William “Crimean” Simpson

Tickets: Free
Dates and times: Tuesday 1st - Thursday 31st Oct 2024
9:00AM
Age: All ages
Venue: Mitchell Library

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Prince Alemaheyu was the orphaned son of Abyssinian Emperor Tewedros. His father had killed himself in advance of an attack by the British and Indian armies on his compound in Magdala, in 1868.

He was brought to Britain, aged 7, in the aftermath of the attack.

In 2007, the Ethiopian government requested the return of Alemayehu’s remains for reburial in Ethiopia.

This small display explores Scottish artist William 'Crimean' Simpson's involvement in the Prince's life, and his depiction of Abyssinia at the time of the 'British Expedition" to the country, in 1868.

A new digitisation, research and conservation project has made available to the public 248 works on paper by Scottish artist, war artist and war correspondent William Simpson (1823 - 1899).

The watercolours are part of a larger collection of items, including manuscripts, scrapbooks containing sketches, photographs and notes, and published books acquired by the Mitchell Library, Glasgow between 1912 & 1920.

Accessibility guides

Read the accessibility guide for The Mitchell Library on AccessAble

Read our autism-friendly guide to the Mitchell Library

We also have a supply of books in Braille, large print and audio.

Accessible toilets

This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance. This accessible toilet is located to the rear right as you enter.

Assistance dogs

Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided.

Hearing loop

There is a fixed loop hearing assistance system.

This venue does not play background music.

Wheelchair access

There is a wheelchair to borrow. To borrow the wheelchair, please contact a member of staff.

Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

Baby changing

Baby feeding

Cafe or restaurant

The Café is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.15pm.

Click here to see the Café menu

Parking

Please note that there is on-street surrounding The Mitchell Library, from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday this is metered. As this is also a local residential area, please use these spaces considerately. Alternatively, there is an a NCP Car Park on India Street next to Charing Cross Train Station which is a 2 minute walk away.

Photography and video recording

On occasion, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.

Study spaces

Study spaces can be booked by calling 0141 287 7655. Click here for further information.

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We provide free WIFI access and further access to over 50 PCs for public use

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