Lithographic portrait of Allan Cunningham, 1874

Allan Cunningham, c 1840

Introduction:

Allan Cunningham was born at Keir, Dumfriesshire, his father had been a neighbour of Robert Burns when he farmed at Ellisland. In later life Cunningham claimed to remember hearing Burns recite Tam O' Shanter when he was just six years old.

Image Rights Holder:

Dumfries & Galloway Museums Service

Ref:

223

Project:

241:Robert Burns - People and Places

Material:

Paper

Dimensions:

Image - length: 112 mm, width: 78 mm

What:

Lithographic portrait of Allan Cunningham, 1874

Subject:

In 1834 he brought out, 'The Works of Robert Burns, with his Life' in eight volumes. Unfortunately his biography of Burns is flawed, giving a relatively accurate impression of the poet but containing many errors of fact about his life.

Who:

Robert Burns (1759-1796) (his biographer)

Robert Anderson (22 Ann Street, Glasgow) (printer)

John Anderson and Son (Dumfries) (publisher)

Anthony C M'Bryde (grand nephew of the writer, Allan Cunningham) (artist and engraver)

Allan Cunningham (1784-1842) (representation)

When:

c 1840 (portrait)

1875 (published)

Where:

Dumfries Museum, Dumfries & Galloway

Background:

In 1834 he brought out, 'The Works of Robert Burns, with his Life' in eight volumes. Unfortunately his biography of Burns is flawed, giving a relatively accurate impression of the poet but containing many errors of fact about his life.

Description:

Cunningham worked as a stone mason, but had a love of literature and was a friend of the Scottish writer, James Hogg. He collected traditional ballads and wrote songs, the best known of which is the sea song, 'A Wet Sheet and a Flowing Sea'. He went to London in 1810 and gradually established his reputation as a poet and journalist.