Thomas Muir portrait

Ken Macintosh

I was pleased to welcome Gabrielle Joy Henderson, winner of the East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition, to the Scottish Parliament to unveil her portrait of political reformer, Thomas Muir.

Thomas Muir (1765-1799) was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. Gabrielle’s portrait was painted to marked the 250th anniversary of Muir’s birth.

Gabrielle has dramatically portrayed the disfigurement of Thomas Muir, the Scottish political reformer who campaigned for democracy, freedom of speech and voting rights for all at huge personalcost.

The Schools Art Competition helped celebrate the 250th anniversary of Thomas Muir’s birth and we are proud and pleased to be able to display Gabrielle’s winning portrait at the Parliament until January.

You can come and see Gabrielle’s work at the Scottish Parliament between now and January. See www.visitparliament.scot/welcome for information about visiting.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP and artist Gabrielle Joy Henderson formerly of St Ninian’s High School unveil Gabrielle's competitions winning painting of Thomas Muir. Thomas Muir was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. The inspirational figure's strong links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir. The East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition was held as part of the Thomas Muir 250 celebrations and attracted 300-400 entries from primary and secondary school pupils 20 September 2016. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP and artist Gabrielle Joy Henderson formerly of St Ninian’s High School unveil Gabrielle's competitions winning painting of Thomas Muir. Thomas Muir was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. The inspirational figure's strong links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir. The East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition was held as part of the Thomas Muir 250 celebrations and attracted 300-400 entries from primary and secondary school pupils 20 September 2016. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP and artist Gabrielle Joy Henderson formerly of St Ninian’s High School unveil Gabrielle's competitions winning painting of Thomas Muir. Thomas Muir was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. The inspirational figure's strong links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir. The East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition was held as part of the Thomas Muir 250 celebrations and attracted 300-400 entries from primary and secondary school pupils 20 September 2016. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP and artist Gabrielle Joy Henderson formerly of St Ninian’s High School unveil Gabrielle’s competitions winning painting of Thomas Muir. Thomas Muir was persecuted and eventually banished in 1793 for his work to champion reform, freedom of speech and voting rights for all. The inspirational figure’s strong links to East Dunbartonshire are celebrated every year by the Friends of Thomas Muir. The East Dunbartonshire Schools Art Competition was held as part of the Thomas Muir 250 celebrations and attracted 300-400 entries from primary and secondary school pupils. 20 September 2016. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament