The Declaration of Arbroath 3D Facsimiles Return — 10 years on from UNESCO UK recognition

5 July 2026 — Arbroath, Scotland

 

A decade ago today, something very special happened — and it changed the direction of my creative life.

On 5 July 2016, the Declaration of Arbroath was recognised on the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register. As someone born and raised here in Arbroath, that moment genuinely inspired me. This document was never just something from a history book to me. It was part of the place I came from — part of the town, part of the Abbey, part of Scotland’s voice.

I started wondering if I could recreate the Declaration as a fine-art piece. Not as a flat poster, but as something with presence, depth and feeling — something that could be shared, displayed and lived with by people who felt the same respect for it as I did.

That idea became my Declaration of Arbroath Fine-Art 3D Facsimile.

 

 

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Why this day matters to me

I live and work here in Arbroath, in the shadow of Arbroath Abbey. Sometimes, when life becomes difficult, you can almost forget the weight of the history around you. The past few years have been quiet and difficult in my own life — through bereavement, family responsibilities and reflection — and I lost some of the momentum I once had with this work.

But this anniversary has reminded me why I started.

The Declaration of Arbroath is more than an old manuscript. It is one of Scotland’s most powerful surviving documents. It carries a voice from 1320 that still reaches people today — a voice about identity, courage, dignity and freedom.

For the past ten years, it has been an honour to make these pieces. I have been deeply moved by the kindness people have shown me, and by how much respect people still have for this remarkable document.

 

 

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The facsimiles return

Today, on the 10-year anniversary of that UNESCO UK recognition, it feels right to bring the facsimiles back.

I have now reopened reservations for the 7th Centennial Edition through my website. The full story, images, frame options and ordering details are now being brought together properly online, and reservations can now be made with a 1/3 deposit.

The edition is an 85% scale framed 3D fine-art facsimile of the Declaration of Arbroath, finished with three-dimensional cast seal details and offered in a selection of frame finishes. Each piece is made with care, numbered within the edition, and supplied with supporting authentication material.

Preferred edition numbers can be requested if still available. Otherwise, pieces will normally be allocated from the lowest available number.

 

 

 

 

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Depth, seals and presence

The thing I have always wanted people to feel is that this is not simply an image of the Declaration. The artwork is intended to have a quiet physical presence — with the manuscript surface, hanging parchment tails and cast seal details creating a sense of depth and memory.

The seals are an artistic interpretation, made to evoke the visual rhythm and historical presence of the surviving document. The aim has always been to honour the source, not to flatten it.

It is a fine-art object made for people who feel a connection to Scotland, Arbroath, the Abbey, or the enduring power of the Declaration itself.

 

 

 

 

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Reservations now open

I am now taking reservations again for customers who would like to own one.

The product page includes the current edition details, frame choices, ordering information, deposit option, delivery and collection notes, and the wider story behind the work.

 

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

 

If there is space in my work diary, I would be delighted to take on your order. If preferred numbers are important to you, please mention that when ordering or enquiring.

This work began here in Arbroath, and it has always been close to my heart.

As the Tartan Artisan of Scotland, it feels right to share it again.

Stevie — Tartan Guy
Arbroath :)

 

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Declaration of Arbroath imagery: Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland, SP13/7. Artwork, photography, 3D facsimile presentation and written material © Steven Patrick Sim / The Tartan Artisan® unless otherwise stated.