A New Grey-Framed Declaration of Arbroath — Facsimile No. 076 — Destined for Edzell, Scotland

I wanted to share a new Grey frame for my Declaration of Arbroath facsimile. The first finished piece has a personal story behind it.

I’ve recently completed Facsimile No. 076 of the 7th Centennial Edition for John and Ally in Edzell.

John chose the new Grey finish, which is softer than Dark Charcoal and quite different from the White or stained timber options. It has enough weight to frame the work without drawing attention away from the parchment and the red and green seals. When I spoke to John, he was delighted with the result. So was I — it looks quite different from the other finishes.

---

A piece I’ve never stopped caring about

After all these years, I’ve not forgotten for a moment how important the Declaration of Arbroath is to Scotland and its history. It remains one of Scotland’s most treasured artefacts, and it has always been a real honour for me to keep creating this work here in Arbroath.

Sent to Pope John XXII in 1320, the Declaration is a remarkable statement of Scotland’s identity and resolve. Its words still carry enormous weight. Having grown up in Arbroath, I’ve never felt that this history was especially far away.

That is why I wanted to give the facsimile some of the physical character of the original, rather than make another flat reproduction. Each piece is assembled in layers, with suspended parchment tags and three-dimensional cast seals. It is signed, numbered, carefully finished and framed in Scotland. There’s a lot of hands-on work involved, but that is how I believe it should be made.

---

A reflection I hadn’t expected

Looking back through the photographs, I spotted something I hadn’t noticed at the time. Despite the low-reflection glazing, a faint green sheen had caught John’s silhouette across the Declaration.

There he was, reflected in the very artwork that was going to be his. It wasn’t staged. I wouldn’t normally make much of a reflection in glass, but this photograph stayed with me. I found it rather moving.

John’s silhouette in the green reflection of the glazing, with the Declaration of Arbroath anniversary tartan beneath the frame.

The tartan beneath the frame is also significant. It is the Declaration of Arbroath anniversary tartan, another part of my work connected to the history of 1320. I’ve yet to give it the attention it deserves, but I hope to tell its story properly in time.

I’m grateful to John for being happy for me to share a little of his commission. These pieces eventually leave the studio and become part of somebody’s home. Knowing a little of the person behind each commission means a lot to me.

A number that means something to you?

The facsimiles form a limited edition of 700 individually numbered pieces. If you have a particular number in mind — perhaps a birthday, anniversary or family date — please get in touch before ordering. I’m happy to check what is available, although specific numbers cannot be guaranteed once allocated.

---

A note about the price

Specialist framing, glazing, materials and the work involved have all become more expensive. I’ve had to reflect those costs in the price rather than compromise how the piece is made.

I have, however, kept £1,320 before VAT deliberately. 1320 is the year of the Declaration, and it still feels right to have that number at the heart of the artwork’s pricing.

See the framed facsimile

The updated product page shows the Grey finish alongside the other frame choices, with the current payment and collection arrangements. Qualifying postcodes also have the £60 local/regional Aizle hand-delivery option.

View the Declaration of Arbroath Fine-Art 3D Facsimile — 7th Centennial Edition

---

Looking ahead

Thank you to John and Ally for their support, and to everyone who continues to follow the work.

---

Stevie 😊

Steven Patrick Sim
The Tartan Artisan®
Arbroath, Scotland