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Oak chair made from Kilmarnock printing press

Key details

Object number
3.4521
Date
1858
On display
Yes

Description

This ornate chair was carved from the Oak wood which had formally been part of the printing press at John Wilson's printing works in Kilmarnock, on which the first volume of Burns' poems were printed in 1786. The chair has carved arms depicting the dogs Luath and Caesar featured in the poem 'The Twa Dugs'.

Also carvings of Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnie and a carving of Burns himself are featured on the top of the chair back. Red velvet fabric on seat, back and arm rests. Semi-circular brass plaque around lower part of circular feature, detailing origin of chair.

Constructed around 1858 in preparation for the Burns Centenary festival in the County Buildings in Ayr, the chair was presented by Mr. T. M. Gemmell, a descendant of John Wilson, in October 1891.

Object information

Acquisition

October 1891

Material

Measurements

  • Depth: 88(cm)
  • Height: 148(cm)
  • Width: 69(cm)