Object of the Month - The Thin Red Line Centrepiece
The Centrepiece was inspired by Robert Gibb’s famous artwork “The Thin Red Line” and it depicts several soldiers from the original painting. It was commissioned by The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to commemorate the lives, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice of all Argylls, and to mark and celebrate the Regiment’s 125 years of unbroken service to crown and country, 1881-2006. The Centrepiece was created by Silversmith Company Edward Fraser and was completed in 2007. Those involved in the design decided to add one unusual detail to the scene, which was not in original painting. Between the legs of the men is a badger, which represents the historical importance of the animal, first to the 93rd and then later to The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The head and pelt of a badger was traditionally used in the manufacture of sporrans for Senior Non – Commissioned Officers and Officers serving in the Regiment.