Robert Burns Statue, Dundee

Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet, was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, on 25th January 1759. He died on 21st July 1796. This statue was designed by sculptor Sir John Steell and unveiled in October 1880.Robert Burns paid a two-day visit to Dundee in September 1787. He described Dundee as “a low but pleasant city”.leisureandculturedundee.com/photopolis/burns-statue-dundee

The Burns Memorial in Dundee, designed by Sir John Steell, was erected at the original entrance to the Albert Institute (now the McManus Galleries), situated in Albert Square in the heart of Dundee city. The Albert Institute was built in 1867 as a meeting place for the British Association, but was converted and opened as a public library in 1869. Designed by Gilbert Scott and largely financed by local marmalade magnates, the Baxters, the building was intended to be the largest memorial to Prince Albert outside London.robertburnsmemorials.arts.gla.ac.uk/details.php?ID=7

Steell's statue of Burns is made of bronze and set on a plinth of red Peterhead granite. Burns is shown seated in a contemplative position, with his eyes turned heavenwards. Burns is seated on the trunk of an elm tree, which Sir Walter Scott associated with the Caledonian harp in the opening lines of his poem 'The Lady of the Lake'. There is a quill in the poet's right hand, suggesting that he is in the process of composing. Although seated, Steell has Burns leaning against the trunk of the elm, his left arm thrown over the overhang of the trunk. In designing the features and dress of the statue, Steell followed Nasmyth's portrait of Burns, although he includes a trellis in the design, which is thrown over the left shoulder, providing fluid lines in the bronze. At Burns' feet is a ploughshare, referring to his occupation as a ploughman. At his feet also lies a manuscript scroll containing some lines from his poem "You, Enduring Star".robertburnsmemorials.arts.gla.ac.uk/details.php?ID=7