The Thistle Archive

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A Poem For Willie Hamilton, 1921

In June 2024, we were very pleased to receive this poem in an e-mail from Christine Hamilton, whose husband, Warren Hamilton, is the great grand-nephew of Willie Hamilton.

Willie was the beating heart of Partick Thistle's acclaimed middle three - Harris, Hamilton & McMullan - regarded as one of the finest lines in the Scottish game in 1921, and was a major contributing factor to the success of the team that season, featuring in 40 of the 55 games in what was a most demanding campaign. He had played in every round of the Scottish Cup and, brilliantly, his 300th appearance was the one which sealed a historic place in the Scottish Cup Final, with Partick Thistle ousting Heart of Midlothian by two goals to nil at Ibrox. Alas, Willie did not make the final itself. As it transpired, he was suffering from TB, and, shockingly, succumbed to the disease exactly 4 months after the final, aged just 31.

Little is known of the poem's origins, we can only speculate that Edward Rose (the author) may have been a friend, perhaps it was written for the occasion of the funeral? We get a sense that, even as he played in 1921, Willie knew his time was not long, which is incredibly powerful. The poem has been in Warren's possession "forever" and other family members have copies too. We don't know if this is the original. Yes, we know someone couldn't spell Partick, an unfortunate faux pas! Warren visited Firhill in July 2013 and was proudly pictured on the hallowed turf; see the 'Gallery' tab on Willie Hamilton's page →

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Willie Freebairn's Glasgow Cup Medal, 1900

In June 2024, we were delighted to receive an e-mail from Nancy Hooman, the great-granddaughter of David Freebairn. With no previous photographs of our 19th century Jag, it was a real privilege to meet him at long last. David was one of three Freebairn brothers to play for Partick Thistle, the others being Archie and Willie. In Nancy's possession was an item to cherish - this Glasgow Cup medal from season 1900-01, inscribed in the name of WILLIAM FREEBAIRN of Partick Thistle FC, her great-granduncle (click on medal to see the reverse view).

It's not something we'd ever have expected to see, given that Willie, who was in a poorly condition at the time, didn't play in the cup final in question. In fact, it was his 80th and final goal for the Jags which took Thistle to just their second-ever Glasgow Cup final, but Willie died from his injuries sustained in the pursuit of glory for Partick Thistle, just 9 days on from the cup final itself. What a delight to learn that Willie received a medal despite not appearing in the final, and that it exists to this day. Thank you Nancy.

For more on this remarkable story, see: A Parting Gift For Willie Freebairn →

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“The Partick Thistle Scream”

The Scream is a composition created by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch in 1893. The agonized face in the painting has become one of the most iconic images in art, seen as symbolizing the anxiety of the human condition. Munch recalled that he had been out for a walk at sunset when suddenly the setting sun's light turned the clouds “a blood red”. He sensed an “infinite scream passing through nature”. Scholars have located the spot to a fjord overlooking Oslo and have suggested other explanations for the unnaturally orange sky, ranging from the effects of a volcanic eruption to a psychological reaction by Munch to his sister's commitment at a nearby lunatic asylum.

It's not known who created this red and yellow version, but it came to our attention in June 2023, following what was possibly the most traumatic match in the history of Partick Thistle FC, the team surrendering a 3 goal lead with only 20 minutes to play in the Scottish Premiership play-off final away to Ross County. To a man, woman and child, all of Jagskind were exactly as depicted!

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“Wembley Wizards Ball”, 1928

On the 31st of March 1928, England were torn apart on a magical day for the Tartan Army. The magnitude of the loss (1-5) shook the home nations - it was the first time England had ever tasted defeat at Wembley, never mind by such a margin! Heavy rain and muddy conditions helped the Scots who were generally smaller and more agile. The pace and quick thinking of the dark blues was too much for the English - “we could have had ten” quipped Alex James. The only disappointment was in losing a goal at the death! Our quick-thinking goalie, Jack Harkness, stuffed the ball under his shirt at the end of the match and gave it to the SFA who duly gave it the decorative, ceremonial treatment. To this day, it remains on display at the Scottish Football Museum, Hampden.

On the day, former Jags Jimmy Gibson (Aston Villa) and Jimmy McMullan (Manchester City) played left and right half respectively, whilst the aforementioned Jack Harkness (Queen's Park) had guested for the Jags a couple of years earlier.

Gibson played over 200 games for Thistle before a transfer to Aston Villa for a then-record fee of £7,500 in 1927. This huge sum ensured that Thistle were able to afford the construction of a new main stand on the west side of the ground. For many years, the excellent main stand was referred to by patrons as “The Jimmy Gibson stand”. Jimmy was capped eight times by Scotland; he stated that the highlight of his career was when partnering Jimmy McMullan in the dominant Scottish midfield and being crowned a “Wembley Wizard”.

McMullan was regarded as one of Scotland's finest half-backs of the 1920s, and attained infamy by captaining the “Wembley Wizards”. He was described as a quiet man, but always had a humorous twinkle in his eye, wise of mind and clear in purpose. Addressing his team-mates and countrymen in their hotel the night before the game at Wembley, Jimmy left them with one final instruction before bed - “pray for rain”. Lo and behold, a steady drizzle the following day was just as the captain had ordered, and his boys duly delivered!

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“Partick Thistle Team Print” by Martin Parr, 14 May 2016

Last home game of the season and last of the six artist-created giveaways from Partick Thistle. Until this point the five matches where free artworks were handed out netted Partick Thistle five clean sheets, five victories and fifteen points. With nothing to play for except pride on the last day of the season, that winning art run came to an end with a 2-2 draw against Hamilton Academicals on Saturday 14th May.

Photographer and photojournalist Martin Parr is known for photographs that show the reality of many common situations, seeing people in their true environment. His photographs can document familiar corners of the modern world sometimes not noticed. He recently published a book with 30 years worth of photographs of himself taken at street photographers and photo booths from around the world, the kind of thing that you might see on holiday. The results are funny and slightly grotesque at the same time.

Instead of the traditional, clean cut team photo he has them set out in formation, standing in front of the shabbier old turnstiles. Nice to see the “Home Support” behind them though. Most impressive of all he seems to have got the players and coaches ready to do…the time warp….again….

I do like a bit of photography. I enjoy updating my 'Glasgow Punter' blog as a way to foist some of my snaps off on the world. So it is nice to see the different perspective a non-sports photographer saw on his trip to Maryhill, and also to get a print by Martin Parr.

read more on Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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“The Thumb” by David Shrigley, 5 April 2016

The first 2000 home fans attending the Partick Thistle vs Dundee United evening match in April 2016 received the fifth of the six artist created giveaways of the season at Firhill. This time it was the turn of Kingsley creater David Shrigley with a variation on the sports big foam hand with the “number one” pointing finger. Based on his (then forthcoming) 10 foot tall “Really Good” extended thumbs up, he gave us a big yellow foam thumbs up, to wave in appreciation of Kris Doolan's fantastic match winning goal. As it turned out, they also doubled up as quite handy for doing the big thumbs down at some of the Dundee United play. With the letters PTFC tattooed across the knuckles of the fist, it was another welcome addition to my kids' burgeoning Partick Thistle art collection.

David Shrigley came to Glasgow to study at Glasgow School of Art in 1988. Whilst in the city, like the sensible chap he is, he started following Partick Thistle which is the reason that I'm writing this piece. He has in his time painted, drawn, produced designs for festival T-shirts, pop videos, newspaper cartoons, sculpture, photography and made much music. His 2014 album with Falkirk's Malcolm Middleton, Words and Music, is one of the most entertainingly foul-mouthed pieces of music that you will hear. (Middleton's 2007 album Brighter Beat has a photograph by David Shrigley on the cover). In 2013 he was a Turner Prize finalist and his sculpture, Really Good, a giant thumbs up, graced an empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. With the design for Kingsley he was clearly at the top of his game.

Oh, and it was now a case of 5 Premiership wins to nil for the Jags on art giveaway day… that deserves two big thumbs up!

read more on Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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“Cushion” by Kota Ezawa, 23 February 2016

4 days later than planned, the fourth of the six art giveaways was distributed at the St Johnstone match on Tuesday night, 23rd February. The artist's work being presented to the Firhill faithful took the shape of a cushion.

Kota Ezawa was born in Cologne in 1969, a German/Japanese artist who now lives and works in San Francisco. He uses images from popular culture, film, photographs and art history in his digital animations, collages, drawings and light boxes. See, for example, one of his video works, with the Beatles performing California Über Alles .

For Partick Thistle he produced a cushion with an image based on Hokusai's 1830 woodblock print “Great Wave Off Kanagawa” on one side, a Thistle fan pictured holding it aloft on the reverse, in mid-Mexican wave pose (click on image to see both sides). As well as being a comfy addition to your seat, he states that he took inspiration from Glasgow's seafaring past, the “Mexican wave” of sports fans around the globe:

a German/Japanese artist living in America takes on a Japanese artist's print which can be used to energise a Scottish team made up of players from the United Kingdom, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Belgium, Ghana and the Czech Republic using a cheer called the Mexican Wave.

A statement of footballing internationalism, and a nice cushion to take home for your garden chair or caravan. Kota Ezawa created a popular one here and the crowd gave the cushions all a wave for the photographer just before kick off, an image worth seeing. With Thistle turning in a storming performance to beat St Johnstone 2-0 on the night, it quickly became known as the “two-goal cushion”.

read more on Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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“Yellow Card” by Jonathon Monk, 2 February 2016

At the re-arranged Thistle vs Motherwell game in February 2016 the third of the six sponsored art giveaways was handed out. I feel we are labouring the football theme here now as Jonathon Monk produced 2000 yellow cards to give out, housed in a red sleeve to give it that Thistle jersey look. The message on the back was clear:

It should be used in situations both on and off the pitch where you wish to advise others: A line has been crossed and caution is advised.

Those in the Jackie Husband Stand at Firhill for the match that followed got plenty of opportunity to wield our yellow cards at the ref. He dispensed them liberally to four Thistle players in the first half before being a wee bit reluctant to keep going with the cards with a couple of Motherwell's persistent offenders. Reminders were forthcoming from the stands.

Jonathon Monk studied at Glasgow School of Art for a while and (prudently) states in interviews that he attended Firhill on occasion whilst here. Now based in Germany, he works as a conceptual artist, which in essence can mean that the idea behind a piece of art is more important than the finished object. Jonathon Monk, consider yourself officially cautioned.

read more on Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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“You Don't Know Who You Are” by Jon Rubin, 19 December 2015

For the second of the six in the series, Pittsburgh-based artist Jon Rubin designed a scarf, which was to be given away to fans at our early December 2015 game against Motherwell. When the rain led to the postponement of that fixture, the 2000 scarves were then handed out before the home game against Ross County.

Jon Rubin's works have largely been public pieces, but he is also a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He was one of the creators of "Conflict Kitchen" in Pittsburgh, a take-away which only serves food from countries in conflict with America, focusing on one country at a time. A concept which unfortunately offers plenty of options for culinary variety. He has previously set up a radio station in an abandoned neighbourhood, playing only the sound of an extinct bird (which to be fair sounds right up my street). At the time, he was quoted on the Thistle website:

I’m a huge sports fan myself, so I was excited to be asked to participate. After doing a lot of research, Partick Thistle is the exact type of team that I tend to root for—the scrappy underdog punching above their weight.

On one side it proclaims "We Are Thistle", whilst the reverse of his scarf has the bemusing "You don't know who you are" in bold red and yellow. Rubin apparently came across an online audio archive of Thistle fans chanting this [most likely a mis-heard 'You don't know what you're doing' directed at some hapless ref!] The existential confusion of it appealed to him. Each scarf came with a handy set of instructions:

1. Hold scarf in the air with text facing the opposing team, or an opponent of your choice.
2. Chant: YOU DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
3. Consider: Do any of us know who we are?
4. In moments of personal crisis, the scarf can also be turned inward and the same chant applies.

Ironically, as our coverage in results websites, newspapers and television in 2015 consisted of an endless succession of wrongly identified players or Thistle being called "Partick", it is clear that many covering football are just not making any effort to actually find out who WE are. Very bloody frustrating.

read more on Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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“Partick Thistle Football” by Barry McGee, 3 October 2015

When Kingsford Capital arrived as sponsors at Partick Thistle for 2015-16, the club became an internet sensation overnight when the David-Shrigley-designed 'Kingsley' was introduced as the new club mascot. The group quickly promised a series of limited edition, artist created giveaways. The first of these came at our home game in October 2015 against Dundee United. Mike Wilkins of Kingsford Capital had commissioned American graffiti artist and painter Barry McGee to create a design for 2000 footballs, which were handed out to fans as they came into the ground.

Initially deflated, these were immediately used exactly as the creator must have imagined, either worn as a hat or as a handy dish for a Saturday afternoon pie. Barry McGee started off in San Francisco as a graffiti artist but his work can now be found in many galleries, and did once adorn a design for Adidas trainers. He has also exhibited at the prestigious Venice Biennale, which led to his street art gaining in value and being largely scavenged from walls. A quick search on the internet reveals that he has previously filled galleries with abstract murals of patterned tiled designs and returns often to painting a series of downtrodden looking, cartoonish characters.

These features are what made it onto the footballs that were handed out at Firhill, largely in our red, yellow and black colours. After putting a photo of the ball that I collected that day on Twitter I was twice asked online if I would sell it, but as my children have enjoyed kicking it about in the park, I think I will hang onto it.

from Paul Climie's excellent blog entry Partick Thistle, Putting Art Into Football

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Partick Thistle 'Maryhill' Shirt, 20 August 2023

A third kit for the 2023-24 was unveiled for the first time on the pitch for a cup tie at Tynecastle on 20th August 2023. It was subsequently worn for three further cup ties during the season, most notably a 3-0 win at Dingwall in January 2024. What made it so special was the distinctive design on the front, being a map of Maryhill with Firhill being right at the heart of the innovative layout, as the club website noted:

Regular matchday staples can be identified throughout the front of the jersey marking the roots in our community that make matchdays special in Maryhill. The one of a kind design is replicated on the black goalkeeper kit.

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Great War Honourable Certificate of Discharge for War Disabled, Private James Gordon, 11 December 1918

Many thanks to granddaughter Jackie Aspinall for this remarkable submission in January, 2024. The handwritten inscription reads: “No. 92457 Private James Gordon of the R.D.C. having previously served during the war in the Highland Light Infantry”

James Gordon's footballing career never really got going due to his army service, but his associated senior clubs were Partick Thistle Reserves (pre-war) and St Mirren (during war), and he also played for the Scottish Command Army team. Private Gordon served in the Highland Light Infantry, the Scottish Rifles and the Royal Defence Corps for 8½ years from 1910 to 1918, and was given an honorable discharge at the end of that year. Such a certified status was given to service members who met or exceeded the standards of conduct and performance expected of them during their time in the military. It's the highest form of discharge a service member can receive and is considered a recognition of honorable and faithful service.

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Everton vs. Partick Thistle match programme, 26 April 1890

Produced by Everton for the challenge match at Anfield, this is the second-earliest-known Partick Thistle match programme, published in the club's 15th season of existence (click the picture to see the double-sided spread). By the late 1880s, a number of the bigger English clubs were producing regular match programmes, albeit in a very basic form. Usually these consisted of a single sheet and would typically bear the names and positions of the players with adverts and perhaps a fixture list. For many fans in the Victorian era it was a way of keeping score, and you'll note the human intervention on the player changes! Everton had been producing a programme since 1886.

This was Thistle's third match versus Everton, having won 3-0 at Anfield on New Years Day 1886 and drawn 1-1 at the same ground exactly one year later (see the 'Scrapbook' tab on that match hub for the earliest-known Thistle programme!) This latest 1890 encounter attracted 9,000 - Thistle's record crowd - and the Evertonians would have their revenge as the Glasgow Herald reported: “The Partick Thistle journeyed to Liverpool where they met the famous Everton, who defeated them after by no means a one-sided game by six goals to two.”

Reproduced with the kind permission of The Everton Collection Trust and Liverpool Central Library & Archive.

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The Football Association 150th Anniversary Map, 2013

Produced in October 2013, this canvas (24 x 36 inches in size) was rolled into a cardboard shippable tube and made available for sale to the general public. Alex Horne, General Secretary of The Football Association, said at the time: “Over the last 150 years, millions of football fans will have made journeys to and from matches using the London Underground. Creating this special version of such an iconic map is a fitting way for The FA and London Underground to mark its shared 150th anniversaries.”

Two Partick Thistle legends are featured; Great Portland Street (Circle Line) becomes BILL SHANKLY (Managers Line) and Wimbledon Park (District Line) becomes ALAN HANSEN (Central Defenders Line). Our boys are keeping some high class company!

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Partick Thistle vs. Rangers cup final match ticket, 12 April 1930

In 1930, Thistle reached their second Scottish Cup final and, once again, Rangers were the opponents. 107,475 (the highest-ever attendance for a Partick Thistle match) saw an exciting game, slightly spoiled by the wind. John Simpson and Denis O'Hare were out injured but “Thistle played with great confidence” according to the Herald and showed excellent teamwork throughout. A Davie Ness header hit the bar near half-time. There were lots of goalmouth incidents, and no pointer how the replay would go.

This fascinating match ticket was submitted to McTear's Auctioneers in October 2023. Attendees were left in the dark as to the kick-off time but, not to worry, Thistle and Rangers fans could marvel at Queen's Park's crest being displayed so prominently. The ticket was estimated to go for £200 to £400, but sold for a hefty £800 in the end.

See also our match hub →

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“Blythswood Estate, Main Lodge” by Jackie Husband, 1985

Another of the great many Jackie Husband pieces on display at Renfrew Golf Club, which is situated on the Blythswood Estate. The borrowed name 'Blythswood' memorialised the lands on which much of western Glasgow was built. See below for more on this artist.

See also our profile page for Jackie Husband →

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“Blythswood Estate, Gasworks Cottage” by Jackie Husband, 1985

Away from the football, most of Jackie Husband's professional career was spent as a draughtsman, initially at Shieldhall Alexander Stephens near his Renfrew home. He was a keen golfer, and was a member of his hometown club. Wonderfully, his technical drawing skills were put to good use there. A great number of drawings that he made between 1985 and 1992 were put on public display in one of the hallways and it's really very impressive. Thistle fan Andy Earlie, who plays golf at the club, snapped a couple of them in June 2022, as shown. Quite clearly, Jackie's artistry was not confined to matters on the pitch!

See also our profile page for Jackie Husband →

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Letter to John Blair, 7 June 1921

John Blair's grandson, Doug Blair, kept possession of this fascinating letter which was sent by the manager/secretary, George Easton, around 7 weeks on from the momentous day of 16th April 1921, when John Blair's goal won the Scottish Cup for Partick Thistle. It gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the day-to-day running of club affairs. In the official history book, the esteemed club historian Robert Reid revealed what the bonus figure was likely to be:

£50,000 did you say? Wrong! Divide by 2,000, you'll be nearer the mark! Be that as it may, surely he should have had a knighthood, or freedom of the city, or a statue in his honour in George Square. That's the least he should have received. After all, he had earned it. He had won the Scottish Cup for Partick Thistle! David had slain Goliath. The unpredictables were the toast of Maryhill - and beyond.

See also our profile page for John Blair →

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Partick Thistle Supporters Association Tie-Pin & Cuff-Links Set, 1960s

As with the pin below, lifelong Thistle fan Tam Stevenson acquired this fine tie-pin and cufflinks set through his membership of the Partick Thistle Supporters Association. They were available for 4 seasons from 1962-63 through to 1965-66 and all six of the Glasgow teams had their own versions during this period. According to a well-known collector of everything Thistle (Trevor), these are like hen's teeth!

The set as pictured came to attention via Twitter, when Tam's son, Gary, got married to Liz on hogamanay 2022. As he put it: “Got a 3 o'clock kick off my own today, never thought I'd be getting married at 50. This is the only memorabilia I'm allowed to wear for my big day.” All went well on the big day, but Thistle were a let-down for the honeymoon two days later when they lost to Queen's Park at Larbert. Typical!

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Partick Thistle Supporters Association Pin, 1964

This smashing little artifact was obviously very well made as it's still in great condition 60 years on. It belongs to Thistle fan Tam Stevenson who joined the Partick Thistle Supporters Association when he turned 16 in 1964. Each new member received such a badge. Tam is still a season ticket holder in the Jackie Husband stand with his 3 mates, John, Billy and Garry. They have been going together since the mid 1960s and have seen it all!

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Scotland v Ireland match programme, 1928

On 25th February 1928, the ground-record attendance of 54,723 was set when Firhill, for the one and only time, hosted the national team. Thistle's League match with Cowdenbeath was postponed to accommodate. Future Thistle managerial legend David Meiklejohn played for Scotland but, alas, the home side lost one nil to Ireland on the day, ending hopes of sharing that season's British Championship with Wales. Scotland would regain her pride the following month when the “Wembley Wizards” defeated the English by 5 goals to 1 in London.

In reality, Firhill wasn't really a suitable venue to host such a crowd. A tremendous overspill on both the east and south embankments had spectators almost in touch with the play, and folks were precariously perched on the perimeter walls in order to obtain a view (see match footage ). On exit, great congestions from the terracings in every direction led to some spectators sustaining bruises and other injuries.

This rarely seen match programme was sold by Graham Budd auctioneers in 2004 for £380 plus fees and taxes. Programmes for international matches became regular during the 1920s, and usually featured between 16 and 24 pages.

See our SFA/UEFA International games at Firhill page for a list of all such games at Firhill over the years.

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Partick Thistle Brake Club Banner, 1911

The earliest form of organised supporters groups sprung up in the late 1880s and were known as ‘Brake Clubs’ – so called because of the large horse drawn wagons they travelled in.

These large wagons could hold 25 supporters and brakes would make their way to games in and around Glasgow to cheer on Thistle. Partick Thistle's first-known Brake Club banner was of Willie Paul in 1897, although that's not to say he was the first to be so honoured. The Thistle supporters of 1911 vintage were clearly enamoured with the performances of the club-captain, Alec Raisbeck, who was depicted on at least two brake club banners of the day.

What inspired this adulation? Well, Raisbeck was a superstar. A revered figure in the world of football with two League titles to his credit at Liverpool and 8 times capped for Scotland, as captain more often than not. Thistle were in the doldrums when he arrived at Firhill in the summer of 1909, having just finished rock-bottom of the First Division. By 1910-11, the Jags had rocketed to 4th in the League (above Celtic), and finished just 10 points behind the champions. They went through the entire League campaign unbeaten at Fortress Firhill. Crowds were up as Maryhill took Thistle as one of her own. One of the Brake Clubs raised this new banner in the image of their heroic captain. Alec, an inspirational figure to teammates and fans alike, was seen as one of the main men responsible for the great revival.

See our Alec Raisbeck page for his full colourful story.

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Hope Robertson's Poem / Christmas Card, 1930s

In his retirement, 19th century Jag Hope Robertson found time to nurture his love of writing poetry, producing a number of works, elegiac in nature, which, more often than not, harked back to his youth and his homeland. One, about the famous clipper Cutty Sark, launched at Dumbarton in 1869, was incorporated into a greeting card sent to family and friends at Christmas. At least one of these cards still survives to this day and the front/back design (as shown) is being made public for the very first time. We're deeply honoured to be sharing it here with you in our Archive Museum! The poem inlay itself was duly included in Rob Sawyer's 'The Hope Robertson Chronicles' published in December, 2022; click on the image to have a read!

The Hope Robertson Chronicles , an 80-page booklet, is now available as ‘print on demand’ via Amazon, priced at just £3.50 plus postage.

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James Cameron's Greenock Charity Cup Winners' Medal, 1893

This splendid medal was won by James Cameron in May 1893. The full back, a Linthouse player, guested for Thistle for three games in the Greenock Charity Cup, culminating in a 7-4 final win over the hosts, Morton, at Cappielow. Amazingly, James's medal turned up at McTear's Auctioneers in late 2020 and sold for around £1,800 including fees! It's certainly a most handsome piece - we're showing the reverse, click to see the front view. McTear's had this to say:

Awarded to J. Cameron of Partick Thistle, the obverse with central shield shaped plaque bearing lion rampant motif in relief, below a pierced football, the reverse with circular plaque inscribed 'Greenock & District Charity Cup Competition 1893 Won by J Cameron', 41mm high, maker A.D., marked 9ct, 10.5g.

See also our profile page for James Cameron →

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The Glasgow Dental Cup, 1928

By 1924 it was recognised that a new dental hospital was required in Glasgow, and with no NHS yet and an estimated cost of £90,000, a huge fund-raising campaign began. One of the fund-raising ideas was for 'The Glasgow Dental Hospital Cup' and between November and December 1928, 6 clubs from the Glasgow FA played in a one-off tournament to help raise funds for the proposed new building. The winners would keep the cup in perpetuity and the players would each receive a 9ct gold medal. The gate money from the games raised a total of £819 for the building fund. Perhaps more could have been raised if the glamour tie of Rangers vs Celtic had taken place, but Thistle spoiled the script. After defeating Third Lanark by one goal to nil, the Jags went on to beat Celtic 3-1 in the Semi Final, and Rangers 2-0 in the final. This was a cup well earned by the club.

The trophy has 12 lines inscribed:

Presented by “Scottish Country Life” for competition amongst the clubs of the Glasgow Football Association in aid of the new building of the Glasgow Dental Hopital. Season 1928-29 won by PARTICK THISTLE.

Legend has it the trophy was buried under the pitch for safekeeping during the war, but it's in great condition in the Firhill boardroom where it rests to this day. See our match hub for a picture of the winning team and a neat wee video about the tournament.

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The Military Medal

The Military Medal (MM) was a military decoration awarded to personnel of the British Army and other arms of the armed forces, and to personnel of other Commonwealth countries, below commissioned rank, for bravery in battle on land. The award was established in 1916, with retrospective application to 1914, and was awarded to other ranks for “acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire”. As told in The Partick Thistle Returned, at least two of our men received this medal.

Johnny Houston, who played with Thistle in season 1919-20, received the award in 1917. His citation, recorded in the Edinburgh Gazette on 21 November 1917, read: “during an attack on the enemy’s lines all of the officers were put out of action and Sergeant Houston took command of his platoon. He led the attack in face of a murderous fire, advanced 100 yards and succeeded in taking and holding the objective for 36 hours until relief arrived”. He was later awarded a bar to his Military Medal on 13 February 1919, essentially meaning that another of his acts was deemed similarly worthy.

Future-manager Willie Thornton received the Military Medal for coolness under bombardment at the Sferro Hills, Sicily, in the summer of 1943. His citation read: “On the night of 31/7, 586278 Gunner Thornton, accompanied his Battery Commander as signaller to an O.P on Point 22. He maintained constant communication for 18 hours and passed down Fire Orders often under heavy shelling and mortar fire. By his coolness and devotion to duty Gunner Thornton gave great assistance to his Battery Commander in bringing down his fire on the enemy.”.

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The Military Cross

The Military Cross (MC) is the third-level (second-level pre-1993) military decoration awarded to officers and (since 1993) other ranks of the British Armed Forces. The MC is granted in recognition of “an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land” to all members of the British Armed Forces of any rank. The award was created on 28 December 1914 and, from August 1916, recipients of the Cross were entitled to use the post-nominal letters MC.

As told in The Partick Thistle Returned, John M. Young, who played with Thistle betweeen 1914 and 1916, received the Military Cross for his bravery at the Somme, setting up the first aid post well forward of the support line and attending to the line of wounded soldiers under fire during the Battle. Months later, another incident meant that he had to have his leg amputated.

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Jimmy McMenemy's Scottish Cup Winners' Medal, 1921

As fate would have it, the 40-year-old Jimmy McMenemy would return to his old Celtic Park stomping ground twice in Partick Thistle's Scottish Cup campaign of 1921 and twice, he led the Jags to victory there. The second of these would earn the 40-year-old a winners medal against his auld enemy as the Thistle defeated the Rangers by one goal to nil. It's an incredible story in the Partick Thistle history books. Bravo Napoleon!

This historic and handsome medal was consigned to McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow by an anonymous seller, and went under the hammer on Friday, November 20th, 2020. The guide price of £2,000 to £4,000 was greatly exceeded on the day, an online bidder being succesful with a bid of £6,300.

The nine carat gold medal stands 45mm high and weighs 14.2g, the obverse inscribed 'Scottish Football Association' in blue enamelled lettering around a pierced oval body, depicting a lion rampant, beneath a thistle motif. The reverse (which can be viewed on Jimmy McMenemy's gallery) is inscribed 'Scottish Cup - Won by Partick Thistle F.C 1920-21' and 'James McMenemy'.

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Cigarette Case, 1927

James Brown Couper (1870–1946) was the Unionist Party (Scotland) MP for Maryhill between 1924 and 1929. He was called upon to officially open Partick Thistle's new 6,000 seat main stand on day one of the 1927-28 season. In recognition of his support on the day, the club gifted him this silver cigarette case. The engravement reads: “Presented to J. B. Couper MP on the occasion of the opening of PARTICK THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB GRAND STAND on 13th August 1927.” Thistle defeated Queen's Park by two goals to nil, with the attendance estimates averaging 24,500. “A pleasant feature of the gathering was the unusually large number of ladies who graced the reserved portion of the stand by their presence” said the Daily Record.

The case recently surfaced in a little vintage shop in Newton Stewart which was selling it online. Who bought it and how much it sold for is unknown.

See our match gallery for a picture of the presentation party on the day.

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Partick Thistle vs. Dumbarton Harp Match Ball, 1909

Another example of the pride felt by the Thistle board after the move to Maryhill in 1909. Someone from the within the directorate had the foresight to commandeer the match ball which had been used in the first-ever match at Firhill; Partick Thistle 3 Dumbarton Harp 1, the 18th September, 1909. The ball was painted and treated with the club names in gold lettering.

Due to their poor League performances in the homeless season before, Thistle were in the ignominious position of having to qualify for the Scottish Cup proper in 1909-10. 4,000 witnessed a fast and exciting Qualifying Cup tie. Alas, a defensive mix-up let JOHN CARR in to score Firhill's first ever goal - for Dumbarton Harp! It was captain ALEC RAISBECK to the rescue from the penalty spot in 42 mins. The standites reportedly stamped their feet in approval! TOM CALLAGHAN put Thistle ahead with a fine drive (55) and, would you believe it, a second penalty from ALEC RAISBECK put the result beyond doubt. Two Harp players were sent off in a rough last few minutes. It was quite the day!

Whilst our photograph suffers a little from the restraints of 2013 mobile phone technology, and the fact it was snapped through the glass cabinet in the Firhill boardroom, we're as proud as those directors to have it in our virtual museum all the same, and will endeavour to apply an upgrade at some point!

To this day, the ball lies in the Firhill boardroom and still comes out for the occasional exhibition.

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Partick Thistle vs. Dumbarton Harp Commemorative Plaque, 1909

The directors were keen to mark the start of a new era in 1909. After some initial teething problems with the building work, Firhill received a clean bill of health and the ground was ready to be opened for the Scottish Cup Qualifying Cup tie with Dumbarton Harp on 18th September 1909.

The executive, including William Reid, George Easton, Richard Robertson & William Lindsay, commisioned a commemorative plaque for the boardroom. There's almost a sense of relief with this gesture. Partick was now almost 1½ years behind them, and getting fixed up in Maryhill put an end to a very unhappy period of homelessness.

At some point in time, a run of posters was also produced, in the exact same design of the plaque.

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1909-2009 Firhill Centenary Shirt, 2009

Partick Thistle Football Club and Greaves Sports launched the club’s new Puma-designed 09/10 centenary strip on 18th September 2009. This was done 100 years to the day of the Jags’ first ever game at Firhill. Allan Cowan, Partick Thistle chairman noted: “This is a proud day for the club and the centenary strip will only add to the sense of special occasion tomorrow.” It was indeed worn for the first time the very next day, in a 2-0 Firhill League win against Dunfermline Athletic.

From 11am on that Saturday at Firhill there were a number of events, aimed primarily at families, taking place in the car park outside the Jackie Husband Stand. There were photo opportunities with current Thistle players and the 1971 League Cup winning squad. There was street rugby from Glasgow Warriors, and a mini football tournament involving four local primary schools. A coffee stall was run by Macmillan Cancer Relief with all proceeds going to the charity. The first 100 visitors to the Aitken Suite before kick-off were refreshed with a free drink of their choice!

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“Cottage” by Andrew Johnston, 1889

The last of four surviving watercolour paintings by the artist, the only one not to be signed. Andrew would have been 23 or 24 when he created this piece, and had a lot of memorable footballing history behind him already. Read his story here.

Thank you to great grandson Douglas Fyfe for preserving this work, and for submitting this photograph in August, 2022.

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“Lonely row boat” by Andrew Johnston, 1885

The third of four watercolour paintings by the artist, preserved for more than 130 years. Andrew Johnston made his first known appearance for Partick Thistle in January 1885, so this was most likely to have been painted just as his senior footballing "career" was taking off, albeit these were the days of the amateur.

Thank you to great grandson Douglas Fyfe for preserving this work, and for submitting this photograph in August, 2022.

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“Puck's Glen waterfall” by Andrew Johnston, 1884.

Watercolour painting by Partick Thistle forward Andrew Johnston, and signed by the artist himself. Thanks to Douglas Fyfe for the submission. Puck's Glen is a river-formed ravine near Dunoon, with a popular scenic walking trail beside the Eas Mòr stream (Gaelic for "big waterfall"). It's been highlighted as a feature of the Argyll Forest Park (itself within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park), and described it as "one of the most magical forests in Scotland, with a delightful trail along a rocky gorge."

The stream tumbles down a series of waterfalls and rapids, joining the River Eachaig about 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) south of the entrance to the Benmore Botanic Garden. A car park off the A815 road (about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Dunoon on the road to Loch Eck) gives access by a track to the foot of the glen path, as well as forest paths giving an alternative route to the top of the glen.

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“Rothesay” by Andrew Johnston, 1884.

We were very pleased to have received a photograph of one of Andrew Johnston's caps, but we weren't prepared for what came next… it turned out he was a talented artist to boot! All 4 of the paintings seen in this gallery were submitted by his great grandson, Douglas Fyfe.

This water colour was painted by Andrew in 1884, probably before he joined Thistle. It's signed by the artist himself and, although he never gave it a title, all parties concerned are comfortable in calling it as seen.

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Glasgow FA Cap, 1889

This was the third and final Glasgow cap earned by Andrew Johnston. The match was played on the 23rd February 1889 at Powderhall in Edinburgh, the seventh annual meeting of Glasgow vs. Edinburgh, won by the latter, 5 goals to 3. Andrew's second-born son, John, took possession of the cap upon his untimely passing in 1905. Brilliantly, John lived in Thistle Street; this cap is charmed! Sadly, John died of cancer in 1959 and his wife looked after it until she herself passed away in 1983. It then passed to Andrew's great grandson, Douglas Fyfe, who has ensured its survival ever since. Hopefully, whoever gets it next will take as much care of it as those in the last 130+ years have done!

On 24th August, 2022, Douglas was inspired to take and send this photograph when he read our extended biography on Andrew's life. We were very pleased indeed to see it and to hear the back story. So much so we've started this virtual museum!