Ailsa Collection

Ballantrae Bridgend and Ailsa Craig, early 1900s

Ballantrae, Carrick, South Ayrshire, Scotland - Ailsa Craig
Ballantrae in Carrick, South Ayrshire, Scotland - viewed from the South with the iconic Ailsa Craig forming the backdrop. Date: circa 1900s

Mr Andrew Barclay Walker, Ailsa, 21 May 1896, Vanity Fair cartoon (colour litho)
611637 Mr Andrew Barclay Walker, Ailsa, 21 May 1896, Vanity Fair cartoon (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Andrew Barclay Walker, Ailsa)

A Record Breaker at Cowes (b / w photo)
1063636 A Record Breaker at Cowes (b/w photo) by English photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Record Breaker at Cowes)

Leaves from the Sketch-Book of an Officer with the Channel Squadron (engraving)
1605689 Leaves from the Sketch-Book of an Officer with the Channel Squadron (engraving) by English School

Ailsa from the South (engraving)
3653704 Ailsa from the South (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ailsa from the South)

The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing on a broad reach, August 1912. Creator
The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing on a broad reach, August 1912. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

Dame Ellen Terry and her daughter Edith Ailsa Craig
Dame Alice Ellen Terry (1847-1928) - English Stage Actress (left), pictured with her daughter Edith Ailsa Geraldine Craig (1869-1947) - a prolific theatre director, producer

Bloodhound at anchor with flags, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Bloodhound at anchor with flags, 1912. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

Bloodhound at anchor with flags, August 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Bloodhound at anchor with flags, August 1912. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing downwind with spinnaker, 1911. Creator
The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing downwind with spinnaker, 1911. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing in light winds, 1908. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

Bloodhound at anchor with flags, 1913. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Bloodhound at anchor with flags, 1913. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing close-hauled, leaves wake, 1911. Creator
The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing close-hauled, leaves wake, 1911. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

Bloodhound at anchor with prize flags, 1909. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Bloodhound at anchor with prize flags, 1909. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing close-hauled, August 1911. Creator
The gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound sailing close-hauled, August 1911. The 40 ton cutter, Bloodhound was designed by William Fife and built in 1874

Powerboat Ailsa Craig winning off Bermuda
The Ailsa Craig finishing off St Davids Head, Bermuda - powerboat winner of the James Gordon Bennett Trophies in 1907 and 1908 Date: circa 1908

London Fire Brigade firefighters respond to a fire at Ailsa Street, East London

General view, Ailsa Craig, Scotland. Date between ca. 1890 and ca. 1900

Allium Cepa (Onion) Ailsa Craig of the Alliaceae family, a giant show vegetable with a mild flavour. Seen here in close-up, with golden, straw-coloured skin

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In the early 1900s, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Ballantrae Bridgend and Ailsa Craig, a remarkable figure named Ailsa left an indelible mark on history. This enchanting region of Carrick, South Ayrshire, Scotland was not only home to breathtaking natural beauty but also served as a backdrop for significant events. One such event was the meeting between Dame Ellen Terry and her daughter Edith Ailsa Craig. Their encounter in this idyllic setting must have been truly magical, capturing hearts with their grace and charm. Meanwhile, Mr. Andrew Barclay Walker made his mark on Vanity Fair's pages with a colorful lithograph featuring none other than Ailsa herself on May 21st, 1896. Ailsa's allure extended beyond mere illustrations; she became a record breaker at Cowes. The black and white photograph captured her majesty as she sailed through the waters triumphantly. Her presence commanded attention wherever she went - even officers from the Channel Squadron couldn't resist immortalizing her in engravings found within their sketchbooks. The sight from the south evoked awe-inspiring emotions - an engraving that perfectly encapsulated her grandeur against the backdrop of serene blue waters. Kirk & Sons of Cowes further celebrated her magnificence by depicting Bloodhound at anchor adorned with flags in both August 1912 and again later that year. But it wasn't just still images that showcased Ailsa's splendor; she came alive while sailing downwind with spinnaker unfurled or gracefully navigating light winds aboard her gaff rigged cutter Bloodhound throughout various years. A true icon of elegance and adventure, "Ailsa" embodied more than just a name; it represented an era defined by exploration and maritime excellence. From Ballantrae Bridgend to Ailsa Craig itself, this captivating figure left an everlasting legacy etched in the annals of history.