Print, aquatint, 'View of Abbey Crag'

Aquatint of view of Abbey Crag, Stirling which belonged to Robert Burns

Introduction:

This print belonged to Robert Burns and was part of the furnishings of his last home at Burns Street, Dumfries. It is engraved from a painting by Robert Alexander Riddell of Glenriddell, a landscape painter who specialised in Scotland's topography.

Image Rights Holder:

Dumfries & Galloway Museums Service

Ref:

DUMFM:0198.409

Project:

39:Robert Burns in Dumfries and Galloway

Material:

Paper; wood (frame)

Dimensions:

Image - length: 325 mm, width: 450 mm; frame - length: 525 mm, width: 625 mm

What:

Print, aquatint, 'View of Abbey Crag'

Subject:

The Burns family owned three such engraving from works by Riddell and it is said that they hung 'ben the house' at Ellisland farm house during their time there.

Who:

Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) (owner (picture hung 'ben the house' at Ellisland when tenanted by him))

Captain Robert Alexander Riddell (Glenriddell, afterwards Friars Carse) (artist (friend of Robert Burns, landscape painter who specialised in Scotlands topography))

A Robertson (engraver)

When:

Late 18th century

Where:

Robert Burns House, Dumfries & Galloway

Background:

The Burns family owned three such engraving from works by Riddell and it is said that they hung 'ben the house' at Ellisland farm house during their time there.

Description:

Robert Burns met Riddell, a neighbour, shortly after he moved to Ellisland, outside Dumfries and they became close friends. Riddell gave Burns a key to the summer house or Hermitage on his estate so that he might have somewhere to write.