Holy Willie's prayer

Category

Library Item

Item no

17714

Title

Holy Willie's prayer

Description

A minister preaches from a wooden covered pulpit that is situated in a graveyard. He has the bible in one hand and the other is raised in the air as he delivers an impassioned sermon. Around him the towns people have gathered; some have brought chairs and other are perched on gravestones. The buildings of the town can be seen in the background including that of John Doo, spirit merchant.

Artist / maker

Bryden, Robert

Date

1895

Size

23.1 x 28.1 cm

Type

Wood cut

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image is an illustration of a poem written by Robert Burns. View the poem Holy Willie's Prayer

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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People > Entertainment and sports > Poets

People > Entertainment and sports > Spectators

People > Religion > Clergy

Religion > Religious facilities > Graveyards

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