Skip to main content

We’re looking a little windswept
Recent storms have caused some damage across the site, so a few areas are cordoned off while we put things right. Please follow the signs during your visit, and thank you for your understanding.

The image shows the interior of an art gallery exhibiting various sculptures and artifacts related to Victorian objects. The space features exposed wooden beams on the ceiling, contrasted with modern white walls. The exhibits are arranged throughout the room, including a large

FOLK ART

Ceremony at Gretna Green

Artist: Unknown
Not on display
Ceremony at Gretna Green View 1 images
View Gallery
The 1754 Marriage Act set the age of consent at 21 in England, but in Scotland couples could still marry from the age of 14 by declaring their wish to be husband and wife in front of two witnesses. Many couples eloped to Gretna Green, just over the border, where the simple civil ceremony was performed by the local blacksmith over his anvil. This painting is based on a popular engraving by W. Matthews of Oxford, which bears the inscription: ‘GRETNA GREEN or the RED HOT MARRIAGE / Oh!Mr. Blacksmith ease our Pains and Tie us fast with Wedlock’s Chains.’ Artist unknown - initialled 'AB'.

Details

Artist
Unknown
Title
Ceremony at Gretna Green
Date
1907
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
H: 36.5 x W: 32 cm.
Reference
CVCSC:0018.F
Collection
Folk Art
Contact us about this work