This small exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo explored the impact of the battle within Scotland, from public celebrations to political unrest, the celebrity of veterans and the birth of battlefield tourism.
Coloured engraving of Sergeant Charles Ewart carrying off the eagle of the French 45th Infantry at Waterloo.
Pair of cavalry pistols, marked to the King’s German Hussars, found on the battlefield at Waterloo.
Musketball said to have lodged harmlessly in the bonnet of a Scottish officer at Waterloo.
Small silver teapot said to have been owned by Marshal Blücher, who led the Prussian army against Napoleon at Waterloo.
Silver-gilt sugar bowl, part of a tea service made for Napoleon and acquired later by the 10th Duke of Hamilton, an admirer of the former French Emperor.
Jug celebrating the return of the Black Watch to Scotland in 1816, believed to have been made at Portobello.
Portrait of Major James Wemyss, Scots Greys, c1826. This veteran of the battle is proudly wearing his Waterloo medal.
The highlight of the exhibition was the reunion of the only two French Napoleonic eagles captured at Waterloo, displayed together for first time in almost sixty years. The eagle of the French 45th Infantry, taken by Sergeant Ewart of the Scot Greys, was on loan from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum in Edinburgh Castle, while the eagle of the French 105th Infantry was on loan from The National Army Museum London.
A replica of Ewart’s Eagle was formally escorted through the Museum by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards on Thursday 14 May, before the installation of the original into the exhibition.
Soldiers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards marching the replica standard and eagle through the Grand Gallery.
Captain Ali McLaurin of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards carries the replica standard and eagle through the Grand Gallery.
The youngest serving soldier from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards presenting Ewart’s Eagle.
Adrienne Breingan, Assistant Curator, National Museums Scotland installing Ewart's Eagle in the display.
Captain Ali McLaurin of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards with the two Eagles.