Seal of Robert Burns, within mahogany carved box

Key details

Object number: 3.8523
Date: 1796
On display: Yes
Maker: Burns, Robert

Description

Glass, oval shaped seal matrix in a brass or gold mount with a curved handle. In a square mahogany carved box with carvings of flowers and leaves. With a pink silk interior. Seal is the seal of Robert Burns.

The seal was designed by Robert Burns Himself. The seal cut into glass and hung on a silver chain in a presentation box was designed by Burns himself. This seal is referred to by the Poet in his letter to Alexander Cunningham on 3rd. March 1794 ' I lately lost a valuable Seal, a present from a departed friend, which vexes me much'. It was formerly in the possession of the great-granddaughter of the Poet Mrs. Martha Burns Thomas (1836-1906).

The seal includes a holly bush and the motto ‘better a wee bush than nae bield’ [better a small bush than no shelter] as a reference to Ayrshire. It also shows a woodlark, a shepherd’s crook and a thorn – references to Robert’s love of pastoral themes.

Object information

Acquisition

1907

Material

Measurements

Depth: 18.5(cm)
Height: 7.5(cm)
Width: 10(cm)

Themes

Burns The Man

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