Professor Steven Reid - University of Glasgow
King James VI and I
This short film commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of King James VI and I (1566-1625) through Glasgow Life Museums' portrait of him, dated 1618.
Featuring expert analysis by painting conservator Hazel Neill and Scottish historians Cameron Maclean and Professor Steven Reid, the film endorses the painting’s given date of 1618, by revealing its structural strengths and weaknesses, composition and materials. The painting is historically significant, giving us insight into how King James presented himself and reflects the importance of his reign at a time of great change.
Meet the experts
Hazel Neill - Painting Conservator, Glasgow Life Museums
Cameron Maclean - University of Glasgow
2025 marks 400 years since the death of James VI and I (1566-1625), who was King James VI of Scotland from 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from 1603, with the union of the Scottish and English crowns.
Glasgow is the only Scottish city to have had such a portrait. It began a sequence of royal portraits which ran from King James VI and I to King George III (1738-1820), making these so-called ‘town hall portraits’ a unique collection.
The portrait is too delicate for display, but we hope this short film allows its story to find a new lease of life.