The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Ian Taylor of Taylor’s Auctions in Montrose with one of nearly 30 First World War recruitment posters being auctioned today and tomorrow.
Heritage: Collection described as a ‘show-stopper’
Nearly 30 “show-stopping” First World War recruitment posters will be auctioned in Montrose at the weekend.
They are from a collection belonging to the owner of Tillypronie Estate near Tarland in Aberdeenshire and will be on offer at Taylor’s Auction Rooms, alongside a wide range of other items such as medals, antiques, and jewellery.
The posters, showcased in the billiard room of the estate, were a powerful recruitment tool for the British Army. They bear slogans such as the Lord Kitchener quote: ‘Be honest with yourself. Be certain that your so-called reason is not an excuse.’
Taylor’s saleroom manager Jonathan Taylor said the posters are the star attraction.
He said: “They are fantastically interesting and have been a bit of a showstopper.
“It’s quite scary when you think about it because it was basically moral blackmail.
“They weighed heavily on the consciences of young men in the country at the time. I’m not sure anyone would want the entire collection in the home but certainly they would make an interesting talking point.”
The posters are valued at between £100 and £300.
“I think they should do quite well as there are not that many of them. They are quite unusual and they all come from the same collection,” he said.
A medal given to Lance-corporal Wood of the Second Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders is also up for grabs, valued at between £400 and £600, as well as swords and pistols, fishing items, furniture and books.
The £10.5 million, 12,000-acre Tillypronie Estate estate was rumoured to have interested former Prime Minister David Cameron when it was advertised for sale earlier this year, and was snapped by a mystery buyer.
The auction takes place tomorrow from 10am at Taylor’s Auction Rooms on Brent Avenue.
jkeith@thecourier.co.uk