Lock of Robert Burns's hair in a glass lidded box
Key details
- Object number
- 3.5501
- Date
- 1796
- On display
- Yes
- Object number
- 3.5501
- Date
- 1796
- On display
- Yes
Description
Lock of Robert Burns's hair in a glass lidded box.
Said to have been given by Mrs. Burns to Jean Wilson, Mauchline, on the death of the Poet. Robert Burns died on the 21st July 1796 and this lock of Burns' hair is said to have been given by his widow Jean Armour Burns to Jean Wilson of Mauchline, on the death of her husband. In Georgian and latterly Victorian times, it was common for bereaved family members to keep locks of hair from deceased children or family members. These locks of hair were seen as mementos and served to comfort the surviving loved ones.
It should be noted that over the years the colour of the hair has faded. Snipped from Robert’s head, this lock of hair has bleached in the light. Strands on the underside reveal the dark brown hue of his hair.
Object information
Category
Measurements
- Depth: 5(cm)
- Height: 1.5(cm)
- Width: 7(cm)