The People of Irvine

This is currently being used as a means by which to promote Clyde Imagineering's 6 year long biographical project.

Munro Scott Orr, born in Irvine's High Street in October of 1874, studied at The Glasgow School of Art between 1894 and 1900 (he would have witnessed the construction of the Mackintosh building and would have been among its first occupants). In the first half of the 20th Century, Orr produced a prodigious and varied range of book illustrations: from children's books, such as The Arabian Nights, Grim Fairy Tales and Treasure Islands; to the works of Robert Burns; and the works of Charlotte and Emily Bronte (Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, respectively).

Born in Irvine on 2nd May 1779, John Galt wrote many notable books, including the satirical novels 'The Annals of the Parish' and 'The Provost' - the first on a religious theme, the second on a political one (the latter being based on the Town Council of Irvine). He had many business ventures and founded the City of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. For more information : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galt_(novelist)

This poster promotes one of Irvine's most notable sons, James Montgomery. He became a poet (writing many lyrics for hymns), a journalist and newspaper proprietor and an active social reformer (twice jailed by the Government for promoting his views). He was so loved by the people of his adopted home of Sheffield that he was accorded the honour of a public funeral, a statue was erected of him , a fountain and a window in Sheffield Cathedral dedicated to his memory and several streets and public buildings in that city bear his name. He is best known for writing the words to the hymn, 'Angels from the Realms of Glory' (and beautiful words they are too): www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDWUY3Me1kA You can read more about his remarkable life here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Montgomery_(editor)

Drawn by Irvine-born artist, Andrew Allan; this postcard was published by Millar and Lang Limited, Art Publishers of Glasgow.

Drawn by Irvine-born artist, Andrew Allan; this postcard was published by Millar and Lang Limited, Art Publishers of Glasgow.