Daft Jamie from an Original Drawing 1829

Category

Library Item

Item no

21659

Title

Daft Jamie from an original drawing 1829

Description

James Wilson (Daft Jamie) stands barefooted in ragged clothes with a red scarf around his neck. His hands are clasped together and he is looking at the ground.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1829

Type

Wash drawing

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

James Wilson, known by the name of Daft Jamie, was a slow-witted teenager who was a victim of Burke and Hare.

William Burke and William Hare committed a series of murders in Edinburgh in the late 1820's. Their victims' bodies were sold to be used for dissection. Burke was executed early in 1829. Hare was released in the same year having given evidence against his former accomplice.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Crime and punishment > Criminals and prisoners > Criminals

People > Children > Boys

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.