Description
A pair of exceptionally rare large pottery figures modeled standing on round bases with the names of Burns and Mary in black capital letters.
They have a strong folk appeal naively and heavily potted and formed unusually, suggesting they are not of Staffordshire origin.
The figures are colored with brown coats, Mary wearing a pale blue bonnet and a dark pink scarf, Burns wears a blue neckerchief.
I have been unable to trace any reference to these figures in any publications or records.
The couple is decorated with longing expressions tinged with sadness and could represent his separation from her at Coilsfield at Montgomery Castle.
This event inspired the poet to write:
“Ye banks and braes and streams around
The castle of Montgomerie,
Green be your woods, and fair your flowers,
Your waters never drumlie!
There simmer first unfauld her robes,
And there the longest tarry!
For there I took the last fareweel
O’ my Sweet Highland Mary”.