On North Terrace near the museum there is a statue of Robert Burns the famous Scottish poet, known for his blunt social and political criticism and liberal and socialist values.
Completed in the late 1800's the work, which is carved in marble, is by WJ Maxwell, presents Burns upright in smart attire and dapper stance, book of poetry in hand with arm raised and finer pointed, slightly upward and two the left.
Whilst i sure it was Maxwell's intention to capture Burns in the moment, reciting poetry or making some sagely point, it to me looks a bit as though he is holding a street directory and giving directions to the hardware store down the road. There is expression lacking in his face, and the stance is slightly awkward.
As this work is in marble and has been exposed to the elements it has required repair on several occasions. It is nice, however, that there are a few marbles around town. read more