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Pat McQuade - turf vendor

Holt, Edward P., 1871, Watercolour
Pat McQuade - turf vendor
Pat McQuade - turf vendor
Pat McQuade - turf vendor
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Library Item
Item no
11327
Title
Pat McQuade - turf vendor
Description
A barefoot Edinburgh street seller pushes his wheelbarrow full of produce along the street. He wears a white hat with a black band. The sleeves of his jacket are rolled above his elbows and his trousers are ragged.

The poet, Donald Campbell has written a poem inspired by this character by Holt:

Pat McQuade

If you'd learn how peat is made
the man to ask is Pat McQuade.
He digs it out and sells it on.
You'll often see him at the Tron
with his old wheelbarrow and his trusty spade.

He's such a credit to his race;
with his cheeky smile and impish face
he spreads his wit all over the place.
His manner's mild, his nature sweet;
the kindest man you'll ever meet

A gardener once he was to trade
and served the gentlefolk that bide
in Marchmont and in Morningside;
but the work's all gone now, I'm afraid -
these days are done for Pat McQuade.
Artist / maker
Date
1871
Size
18 x 14.2 cm
Location
Edinburgh and Scottish Collection
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