Collection of Sketchbooks.-

14 sketchbooks, over 100 pencil sketches and a number of watercolours, some done by a very fine hand, depicting topography and architecture, throughout England and Scotland, some very fine character sketches, one album with the signature of Williamina Belsches the future wife of William Forbes of Pitsligo, [1796 - 1837].

***Williamina Belsches was the only child of Sir John Belsches Wishart, She was noticed by Sir Walter Scott while attending Greyfriars' Church in Edinburgh in 1790. In spring 1796 Scott went on a trip north which included a visit to Williamina's parents, However, unbeknown to Scott, Williamina had made the acquaintance of William Forbes of Pitsligo, heir of a banking family, their intimacy grew when Forbes stayed as a guest at Fettercairn in summer 1796, and on 12 October their engagement was announced.