Alexander Peden's mask and wig
Fiona Thompson writes about this disguise worn by the
covenanting minster Alexander Peden. You'll find it in the Kingdom
of the Scots gallery on Level 1.
The better to see you with, my dear
Come closer, I won’t bite. My teeth aren’t what they used to be
when the preacher’s words hurricaned across the keening Ayrshire
hillsides. Never mind my gashed sockets and spiked feathers lashed
with blood-red stitches. I aim to disguise, not terrorise. Once my
beard flamed bright; now it’s a patched up shadow. My colours have
faded but the minister’s conviction still blazes.
About the author
Fiona Thompson studied French at Goldsmiths’ College, London
University. In her early career, she worked as an Associate Editor
and Features Editor for various trade publications, and wrote
columns for Esquire and The Times as a freelance journalist.
She currently works as a freelance copy writer, and
has written web content, email newsletters and brochures for
organisations including the BBC, The Art Fund and Imperial War
Museum North. She is passionate about the arts, speaks fluent
French and Italian, and plays the harp in her spare time.