Skip to main content
McGrigor Obelisk
McGrigor Obelisk
McGrigor Obelisk

McGrigor Obelisk

Architect (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1830 - 1917)
Associated (Cromdale, Moray, Scotland, 1771 - 1858)
Date1860
Object NameObelisk
MediumPink Peterhead Granite
ClassificationsSculptures
Dimensions2194.56cm
AcquisitionOwned by Aberdeen City Council under the curatorial care of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
CopyrightOut of copyright
Object numberABDCC001080
About MeSited on the south side of Duthie Park, this tall obelisk is of red Peterhead granite, from the Stirlinghill quarry. The obelisk is built of large polished square blocks. The shaft is supported on a large base and plinth. Originally sited in the quadrangle of Marischal College, the obelisk was moved to its present site in 1906 when Marischal College was redeveloped and Duthie Park opened.

The Obelisk was built to honour the memory of Sir James, who was Director-General of the Army medical department for 36 years and Lord Rector of Marischal College.
Re-framing the Collection
James  McGrigor,  has  two  connections  to  chattel  slavery.  First,  he  was  appointed  Surgeon-General  for  the  Duke  of  Wellington’s  army  during  the  Peninsular  Wars.  The  Duke  of  Wellington  was  known  for  his  pro-slavery  views,  frustrating the  abolitionist  movement  at  the  time.  

The  second  more  tangible  link  is  the  fact  that  McGrigor  was  ordered  to  form part of  a  force  sent  against  the  island  of  Grenada  during  Fedon’s  Rebellion  (a  significant  uprising  involving  a  number  of enslaved  people  fighting  against  British  rule  in  Grenada).