A unique sponsorship scheme which allows Burns’ fans and followers from across the world to help preserve rare items belonging to the Bard has launched. The items will be going on display at the National Trust for Scotland’s new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.
A unique sponsorship scheme which allows Burns’ fans and followers from across the world to help preserve rare items belonging to the Bard has launched. The items will be going on display at the National Trust for Scotland’s new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway.
The ‘Burns 250 Collection’ is a fundraising initiative launched by the conservation charity for the conservation, care and exhibition of some 5,000 items including priceless manuscripts, exquisite artifacts and rare memorabilia belonging and relating to Scotland’s Robert Burns, including Jean Armour’s wedding ring, a manuscript of Tam o’Shanter and the Burns’ family bible.
David Hopes, curator of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, has identified some of the most prized and valuable collection items for those who donate between £5,000 and over £50,000. There are varying levels of sponsorship for the conservation of each item, ranging from £250 for individual donors to over £50,000, for the most precious items in the collection.
Every Burns 250 donor, who sponsors an item, will receive a certificate with the exclusive Robert Burns seal and named recognition in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and contribute to the lasting legacy being created at the new museum, which is due to open in 2010.
Project Curator David Hopes said:
“There are some fascinating items set to go on display in the new museum and we really are appealing to the public, both in the UK and overseas to get behind the Burns 250 Collection and feel proud to be helping conserve artifacts that have huge cultural significance in Scotland and beyond.
“Romantics can have their name linked to a love letter written in the poet’s hand, music enthusiasts can contribute to the care of the poet’s guitar and art lovers can revel in the array of striking portraits and sculptures associated with Burns.”
Those donating over £5,000 for the Collection items will receive a certificate, named recognition and, for gifts over £10,000, an invitation the museum opening in 2010. The donation can also be made as a gift.
The initiative aims to raise funds for the new museum, which will serve as a lasting tribute to Scotland’s national poet. The ambitious plans for the new £21 million, 1,600m² museum are being undertaken by the Trust to provide a first class exhibition space for the priceless Burns collections.
David added:
“The Burns 250 collection offers people, clubs, organizations and businesses from across the world the chance to play their part in preserving the legacy of Burns at the new museum. This means that Burns enthusiasts are getting a unique opportunity to be linked to the bard’s history and his future too - allowing generations to enjoy Burns for years to come.”
To make a donation for the conservation of a particular item in the collection please contact the Burns 250 team:
Burns250@nts.org.uk or tel: UK 0844 493 2113, US: 617 227 7500, Other International: +44 (0)131 278 0424.
For more information on the Burns 250 collection visit:
www.nts.org.uk/Burns/Burns250/