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16 Dec 2021

New willow sculptures at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

The new Tam O’Shanter willow sculpture, designed by David Powell
Visitors to Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway will be able to see two stunning new willow sculptures, which are now in place in the smallholding area opposite the cottage in which Burns was born.

The sculptures were designed by David Powell and were created in his studio in nearby Girvan. One depicts Tam and Meg from Tam O’Shanter – which replaces the previous sculpture – and the other is a new sculpture called Walking Poet.

The Walking Poet is around 16 feet high, and over time will be surrounded by a wild flower meadow in the newly established smallholding, linking Burns’ connection to and love of nature.

A willow sculpture of Robert Burns’s Tam riding his horse.

Operations Manager Caroline Smith says, ‘We are thrilled to see these two sculptures in place - what a wonderful addition they make. We’re thankful to the Friends of Robert Burns Birthplace Museum who generously funded these pieces.’

‘We are sure that these wonderfully impressive sculptural additions will inspire and engage, attracting new visitors along and encouraging curiosity in the work of our Bard in the lead up to Burns Night, and beyond!’

The sculptures took two months to make and half a day to erect on site at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Join us on 22 January 2022 for Burns Big Night In. Celebrate the Bard with an amazing programme of Scottish talent hosted by Edith Bowman. Big Burns Night In 2022: more info and tickets

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