Interior of the Birth Place of Burns

Category

Library Item

Item no

17654

Title

Interior of the birth place of Burns

Description

Two men sit in the dark interior of a house. The only light comes from a large open fireplace. They are seated by the fire at a small table and are drinking wine. The room is furnished with a built-in bed with striped hangings; a grandfather clock; tall cupboard; and table and chairs.

Artist / maker

Bartlett, W. H.

Engraver

J Carter

Date

1839

Size

14 x 19 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Robert Burns is Scotland's national poet. He was born on the 25th January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire. He was the son of a tenant farmer and was brought up working the land, but like many sons of Scottish farmers received a good education. In 1786 he published a volume of his poetry called Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. The book was an immediate success and was the start of his transformation into a national hero. He continued to write poetry and songs until he died on the 21st July 1796 aged just 37. Every year, on the anniversary of his birth, thousands of Scots at home and abroad gather together to celebrate the poet's life and works by holding Burns Suppers.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Fireplaces

Furnishings > Furniture > Beds

Furnishings > Furniture > Tables

Homes > Residential buildings > Cottages

People > Adults > Men

People > Entertainment and sports > Poets

Places > Scotland > Ayrshire

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