Dr Armgaard Karl Graves undertook a secret mission to Scotland in 1912 under orders from Berlin to obtain vital information about the Royal Navy’s latest weaponry and strength. Graves’ covert activities are revealed through his code books, secret messages and intercepted letters. The documents and items seized from Graves demonstrate how MO5, the forerunner of MI5, carried out its surveillance and capture of foreign agents.
In July 1912 Graves became the first person to be tried in Scotland for offences under the Official Secrets Act, 1911; specifically for communicating information about the navy and land bases, and about guns being constructed at Beardmore’s Works.
Although Graves was convicted in court of spying, the sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment was lenient compared to the maximum penalty of seven years. In prison, he told British Intelligence of his value in revealing other German spies in the country where he went on to become one of the world’s first double agents.
Graves later seized his opportunity for self-promotion and in August 1914 published his autobiography in Britain and America just as war broke out in Europe. In Secrets of the German War Office he presented himself as a resourceful and successful agent who was betrayed by his German employers during his Scottish mission.
Artist’s Response
“The war(st) spy”
I have done this drawing blind, because I relate war with darkness. Several months ago I participated in a workshop where I helped a lovely lady to ink her collography plate and print. I chose the technique of collography: the glue keeps the pieces together, in something fragile but long lasting. Through the ink those memories, that would have been lost with the passing of the seasons, are kept alive. I love the story that happened in my hands: a spy bad at doing his job, a crazy story in a crazier tale of death and power.
Veronica Merlo
Edinburgh Printmakers Artist
www.veronicamerlo.com
Instagram: @anguanatatu
Veronica was born in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. Since 2013 she participated in several exhibitions and live paintings. After an experience as art director Veronica definitively understood that art is her life and loves its every form and technique. Thanks to a scholarship she moved to Edinburgh in March 2018 and worked as studio assistant at Edinburgh Printmakers until December. Veronica always worked as A freelance illustrator and painter, then two years ago she started to tattoo, one of her youth biggest dreams. She is currently an apprentice at Plus 48 Tattoo studio.
