The following images are originally from a set of six unsigned oil paintings on canvas attributed to Giuseppe Chiesa (d 1789), c. 1769-71. The 25th Regiment of Foot was stationed in Menorca (Minorca) from 6 June 1769 until 1775, one of several regiments garrisoned there to maintain British control of this important Mediterranean base, regained from Spain at the end of the Seven Years War (1756-1763). This series of paintings depicting the 25th Regiment of Foot during its service in Menorca originally belonged to Lord George Lennox, (1737-1805), who was colonel of the regiment 1762-1805.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/
The regiment setting off on the march. It may be noted that, despite its title, this painting does not depict Lennox. The officer who appears to the right of the drummer carries a spontoon and is unlikely to be the Colonel. The grenadiers to the left of the picture wear the new fur caps issued in 1768 but as yet without any plates.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-125-1
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Watson with (from left) grenadiers of the 13th, 11th, 67th, and 3rd Regiments of Foot, their officers, and soldiers of 25th Regiment of Foot. Robert Watson was Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment from 1763 until 1773. Among the guard he is inspecting is a grenadier of the 3rd Regiment of Foot (or the Buffs) [fourth from left] who wears an embroidered cloth grenadier cap even though these were obsolete from 1768. It demonstrates that uniforms could have a 'wearing out' time or that new patterns might be slow to arrive at overseas garrisons.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-127-1
A wooded grove with groups of soldiers of the 25th Regiment of Foot with their mascot, 1771 (c). Originally entitled 'Regimental Officers' the painting depicts not only the dog and officers of the 25th Regiment of Foot, with some of their men resting beyond but also, across the stream, some foreign troops dressed in white. It is thought that these could possibly come from the Russian fleet under Admiral Grigory Spiridonov, which revictualled (took on food and provisions) at the island from late 1769 to July 1770.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-126-1
Lady Louisa Lennox with her husband's Regiment, 25th Regiment of Foot with Lord George Lennox beside her, and Fort St Philip, Port Mahon, in the background.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-123-1
Lady Johnstone, wife of the Governor of Menorca accompanied by officers of the 25th Regiment of Foot and the Royal Navy, and a naval seaman. Lady Johnstone [at centre], riding a brown mule, wears a Scottish bonnet and a red, gold-laced waistcoat under her white coat with matching skirt, an undress version of an officer's dress. In the distance are the fortifications of Phillipet, with St Philip's Castle on the horizon.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-122-1
Lord George Lennox (pointing with his sword), officers and soldiers of 25th Regiment of Foot in an encampment, Menorca. Thought to be the earliest of this series, based on the evidence of the red waistcoats which were made obsolete by the Royal Warrant of 29 December 1768. The warrant also ordered black bearskin caps for all infantry grenadier companies, although some regiments, like the 25th had been permitted them earlier.
Source: National Army Museum, UK https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1974-02-124-1