Martin S. Laird

Artist | film-maker | animator

Category: Cartoons & Illustration

  • The Miracle of Bishop William the Old

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    Black and white India ink drawing of Bishop William the Old experiencing a miracle of Magnus the Martyr. William suddenly loses and regains his sight, and becomes convinced in Magnus’ saintly nature. By Orcadian artist Martin Laird.

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    Bishop William the Old miraculously loses and regains his sight. Black and white india ink drawing showing Bishop William stretching his hands up towards God. Behind him the skeletal visage of Saint Magnus removes his hands from William's eyes.

  • Another Earl Murdered

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    Another Earl Murdered This illustration was created for an Orkney News article about the famed 11th Century Orcadian, Earl Thorfinn the Mighty. Thorfinn’s advisor Thorkell Fosterer murdered rival Earl Einar Wrymouth by stabbing him with a sword and then pushing him into the fireplace after a feast. An Icelandic warrior named Hallvard then pulled him…

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    Thorkell Forester, advisor to Thorfinn the Mighty, stabs Earl Einar and throws him into the fire.

  • The Strawplaiters of Orkney

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    The Strawplaiters of Orkney, by Fiona Grahame. Available now from all good bookshops. Cover art by Orcadian artist Martin Laird.

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    The Strawplaiters of Orkney - coloured pencil drawing of a spinster sitting in an Orkney chair plaiting straw.

  • The Raven Banner

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    Sigurd the Stout and the cursed Raven Banner The Raven Banner was both blessed and cursed. Though the army would win, those who carried the standard would die. Earl Sigurd the Stout lost his life holding the Raven Banner, after three other standard-bearers had fallen and none more were forthcoming. In the sky, Valkyries riding…

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    A standard bearer holding the Raven Banner is impaled by a spear. Valkyries on horseback ride in the sky weaving a net of entrails and skulls.

  • Passing the Standard

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    Passing the Standard Loosely inspired by stories in Norse mythology about the Raven Banner, which brought victory to the army but death to the standard-bearer. A Highlander carrying a saltire is stabbed in the back. A young girl reaches for the banner amid a sea of jeering men. For additional context you may wish to…

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    Passing the Standard. A man in highland dress carrying a Saltire flag is stabbed in the back by a masked woman in red. A young girl carrying a small Saltire reaches towards him. They are surrounded by a horde of angry bald men. In the background the Wallace Monument and forest are silhouetted against a burning sky.

  • The Fairy Dance animation release

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    The Fairy Dance animation release In this, Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, I am proud to announce the release of my second animated short film, The Fairy Dance. Watch The Fairy Dance now. Click here! The Fairy Dance is adapted from a folk tale, recorded by the writer Ernest Marwick, about a fiddle-player who entertains…

    Written by

    Martin Laird
    The Fairy Dance - an Orcadian folk tale, supporting Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.