INTRODUCTORY NOTICE

The Works of the late John Kay illustrate an interesting epoch in the history of the Scottish capital. Throughout the greater part of half a century the Artist devoted himself with enthusiasm to his novel undertaking ; and while he contributed in no common degree to gratify and amuse the public of his own day, his graphic productions form a record which cannot fail to prove peculiarly acceptable in after times.

Although the Etchings may not be entitled to rank high in the scale of art, they are nevertheless valuable as the unaided efforts of one who owed nothing to adventitious circumstances—while the general accuracy for which the Portraitures are distinguished is a merit peculiarly his own. The intuitive facility of the Artist’s pencil in this way must appear incredible, when it is known that, with few exceptions, they were executed from casual observation—the impression probably of a passing glance. Indeed, in many instances, they could not have been otherwise obtained.

Kay appears to have long entertained the idea of giving his Works to the world in a more permanent form. So early as 1792—aided, we believe, by a person of the name of Callender—he had drawn up notes descriptive of the Prints, with a biographical notice of his own life. The want of pecuniary means probably formed the great obstacle to the execution of his plan ; and the venerable caricaturist died at the age of eighty-four without having lived long enough to be gratified by the realization of his wishes. His widow made several unsuccessful proposals for the disposal of the plates; and, after her death, having been brought to public sale by her trustees, they fell into the hands of the present Publisher.

In carrying the intentions of the Caricaturist into effect, no exertion has been spared to render the work as varied and interesting as possible. The notes furnished by Kay and his assistant having been found exceedingly meagre and inaccurate, the difficulty of collecting materials may be conceived; yet the Publisher would be wanting in courtesy did he not acknowledge—and he does so with pleasure—how much the labour has been lessened by the efforts of voluntary contributors. Indeed, the liberality he has experienced in this respect, and the disinterested manner in which many of the literary and antiquarian gentlemen of Edinburgh have vouchsafed their countenance and aid, is such as to call forth the warmest ex-pressiong of gratitude. Difficult as the task may have been, a few years delay would have rendered it much more so. The events to which many of the Engravings allude were fast receding into oblivion, and are only to be traced in the remembrance of a few old citizens, whose memories —uninterested by the daily occurrences around them—cling tenaciously to the past.

It has been urged by some that a stricter attention to chronology ought to have been observed. The Publisher is perfectly aware of the force of this observation ; but a strict adherence to dates would have occasioned an interminable delay in the progress of the work, without producing any corresponding advantage; while, by the plan adopted, greater variety has been afforded than could otherwise have been-obtained. Besides, a classed Index will be given at the conclusion of the Work, which it is hoped will supply any supposed defect of arrangement.

November 1837

NOTICE

With this, the concluding Part, I feel called upon to express, in the warmest manner, the sense I entertain of the very flattering encouragement which has been extended to the Work. To my numerous and highly respectable Subscribers, who, coming forward in almost every instance unsolicited, have patronized the undertaking by their countenance and support, I beg to offer my most sincere thanks. From the length of time which has elapsed since the commencement of the Publication, their patience has no doubt been fully exercised; yet I cannot accuse myself of any unnecessary delay in its progress through the press. The nature of the Work—the almost insurmountable difficulty, in many instances, of obtaining correct information—and the research which its pages display, will, I trust, be apology sufficient for the protracted period of completion. It will be observed, however, on referring to the Prospectus, that the engagement to publish in monthly Parts has not been exceeded ; but that, on the contrary, several months are anticipated. Such has been my anxiety to have the Biographical Sketches complete, that the Letterpress has been extended to nearly double of what was originally stipulated to be given. This, of course, has been accomplished at much additional expense on my part, without any extra charge to the Subscribers; but, stimulated by the desire to render the Work not less valuable than curious, I feel gratified by the approval so generally accorded, and the prospect that a still increasing demand will amply repay my outlay of capital.

To those who have kindly supplied family information, and to the several literary and antiquarian gentlemen whom I have had occasion to consult, and who have, with much liberality, contributed to the historical, traditional, and local interest of the Work, my acknowledgments are due in an especial degree.

It is to be regretted that a few Etchings by Kay have not been inserted in this Collection. During the life of the Artist some of them were disposed of to the parties interested, either because, as good likenesses, they wished to possess them—or, if offensive, that they might be withdrawn from the public. In this way several desirable productions of his pencil are awant-ing; but, from advances made by one or two individuals on the subject, in whose possession some of the Plates are, I am hopeful that a few additions may yet be made to the Collection. These, together with a number of original Drawings by Kay, and from which I have been strongly urged to take Engravings, I may possibly be induced, at some future period, to publish as a Supplement to the present Volumes.

It may be well here to state that, in accordance with an early formed resolution, I have throughout the Work been most careful to avoid whatever might prove offensive either politically or personally. This, it will readily be conceived, from the nature of many of the subjects, was a task of no easy performance. I flatter myself, however, that I have so fer succeeded in this respect as almost to disarm censure; while in no instance am I aware of having stated facts without duly weighing the authority upon which these are given. To have produced a work of similar magnitude, and of a description so diversified, entirely free from error, or beyond the reach of criticism, is what no one will pretend to; and I trust the utmost allowance will be conceded.

HUGH PATON.
Edinburgh, December 1838.

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