An ornate 18th-century sundial made for the founder of the Royal Bank of Scotland has been acquired for the nation.

The Ilay Glynne dial, which is now on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, was described as a “masterpiece” of art and science.

Made around 1715, it was used to measure local time from the sun, providing the most accurate means of setting clocks available.

It could be used at any latitude, and its form models the celestial sphere, showing the Sun’s apparent motion around the Earth and is signed by Richard Glynne (1681-1755), a maker of mathematical instruments and a member of the Clockmakers’ Company.

Read More:

The dial was commissioned by Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay and later third Duke of Argyll (1682-1761), the most politically powerful figure in the first half of the 18th Century in Scotland.

The duke had control over royal patronage and managed Scottish affairs as well as being a founder and the first governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and at one time appeared on all bank notes.

Through his patronage, including at universities, he became an important sponsor and promoter of the Scottish Enlightenment.

The dial is of a type first made for figures such as Peter the Great of Russia and Prince George of Denmark, the consort of Queen Anne, suggesting the duke commissioned it as a projection of his reputation as an influential nobleman.

It is surmounted with the Ilay coat of arms, with leopard supporters, coronet and motto, in brass and silvered brass.

The central plate is decorated with the monogram “AC”, for Archibald Campbell, beneath an earl’s coronet.

The acquisition of the dial has been supported by the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund.

The dial has undergone extensive cleaning and conservation work, and is now on permanent display in the Spirit of the Age gallery in the National Museum of Scotland.

Dr Rebekah Higgitt, principal curator of science at National Museums Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to acquire the spectacular Ilay Glynne dial and hugely grateful to the funders who have made it possible.

“It reflects the breadth of our collections, being at once a significant scientific instrument, an object of great beauty and one with strong connections to key developments in Scotland’s history.”

Dr Simon Thurley, chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “The Ilay Glynne dial is a magnificent example of scientific endeavour, and we are delighted to have supported National Museums Scotland to acquire it for a UK public collection.

“Not only is it an exquisite instrument, but its provenance offers an opportunity to explore important stories about scientific, intellectual and cultural currents that saw the birth of the Scottish Enlightenment.”

Jenny Waldman, Art Fund director, said: “This stunning sundial offers a unique insight into scientific innovations in 18th century Scotland. The precision of the craftsmanship is exquisite, a true work of art.

“I’m so pleased that Art Fund has been able to support National Museums Scotland to acquire this remarkable object for their permanent collection, ensuring it will continue to enlighten visitors from Scotland and beyond.”

The Ilay Glynne dial reveals the Earl of Ilay not just as the politically powerful and wealthy figure he is best known as, but also as a patron of arts, science and learning. It is through this patronage that Ilay is widely believed to have contributed to the Scottish Enlightenment. Those he supported include philosopher Francis Hutcheson, chemist Joseph Black, astronomer Alexander Wilson, poet Allan Ramsay and other ingenious individuals who created emblematic works of 18th-century Scottish culture.   

In Scotland, Ilay pursued agricultural and infrastructure projects, the development of fisheries and promotion of the linen trade. As founder and governor of the Royal Bank of Scotland and the British Linen Company he aimed to encourage others to invest and improve.

Some of these investments were in overseas trading companies, such as the Royal African Company, East India Company and South Seas Company, which profited from colonisation and the exploitation of enslaved people.

At one point in time the East India Company was the biggest corporation in the world, and could command 260,000 soldiers - twice the size of the British Army at the time.

The Royal African Company shipped more African slaves to the Americas during the Atlantic slave trade than any other, around 5,000 per year at its peak in the 1680s.