The Arms of a Scottish Gentleman

Romilly Squire O.St.J., G.O.S.E., KNN., D.A., F.S.A.Scot., F.R.S.A., S.H.A.

Romilly was born and raised in the City of Glasgow. Following an un-remarkable education at the High School of Glasgow he went on to study Graphic Design at the City's famous School of Art. After graduating, he obtained a Certificate of Education from Jordanhill College and taught art at High School level for six years.

The Artist as a young manRomilly's interest in Heraldry developed at an early age. The Arthurian legends played an important part in his formative years and were instrumental in sparking a passion for Arms and Armour, Chivalry and Heraldry. The wall above his childhood bed was decorated by Don Pottinger's "Scotland of Old" chart and thus his sleeping imagination was fired by images of ancient coats of arms, redolent of the romance of a bygone age.

Throughout his teaching career Romilly spent a great deal of his spare time producing heraldic artwork for family and friends, and also for his own enjoyment. It was only natural that his greatest influence at this time was the work of Don Pottinger, one of the most innovative heraldic artists of his generation.

Romilly's work was eventually brought to the attention of Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, Bart., at that time Unicorn Pursuivant of Arms and it was a great thrill, subsequently, to be summoned into Don Pottinger's office and invited to become a Herald Painter at the Court of the Lord Lyon, a post he has held for over twenty years.

In 1996 he was invited to participate in the world's first Heraldic Artists' workshop at the International Heraldic and Genealogical Congress held in Ottawa. His work was exhibited at the "Twelve Masters of Heraldic Art" exhibition held in the Ottawa Museum of Civilization and he was subsequently awarded the "Corel Prize" for excellence in heraldic art.

 The Arms of the Bishop of Dromore

Romilly is now considered to be one of the finest Heraldic artists of his generation and, as such, was invited to act as an advisor to the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland on its renaissance in 1998.
In 1983 he was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and, in 1987, a Fellow of the Society of Arts. He has served on the Committee of the Heraldry Society of Scotland since 1989 and, between 1990 and 1993, was editor if the Society's journal "The Double Tressure". In 1991 he was appointed Limner to the Priory of Scotland of the Order of St John.
A hooded falcon crest

Romilly is currently the Deputy Secretary of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. He advises the Council and its individual members on heraldic matters and regulates the commercial exploitation, by unscrupulous publishers and manufacturers, of its members' heraldic property

 An Irish wolf hound crest

In addition to his official work for the Court of the Lord Lyon and the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, Romilly also undertakes private commissions. He has drafted numerous Petitions for clients seeking a Grant of Arms, and, in many instances, has designed, in close collaboration with the Petitioner, the Arms subsequently granted by the Lord Lyon.

 The arms of a Scots gentleman
The Armorial Bearings of the Priory of Scotland of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem
The Bookplate of Romilly Squire
A Belgium Armorial
  Saint Columba  

 

Romilly Squire DA SHA FSA Scot FRSA

Studio 4, 30 Elbe Street,
Leith, Edinburgh. EH6 7HW

Telephone : 0131 553 2232

romilly.squire@virgin.net