Burns Night is a celebration of the life and legacy of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. A much loved national treasure, Burns is synonymous with Scotland, liberalism and socialism - having written over 550 poems, many of which were an astute social commentary.
The poet died from rheumatic fever at only 37, in 1796, and whilst the first 'Burns Supper' was held by his friends and family in 1801, it is now a national event. A common supper is made up of haggis, neeps and tatties (swedes and potatoes), whisky and the reading of Burns' poetry.. not to mention a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, more famously sung at New Year's Eve!
To commemorate the Scottish figure in our own 'Alfies' way, we've picked our favourite Scottish themed antique and vintage pieces from the shelves of our 50+ dealers..
Bronze bust of Robert Burns on a marble plinth. By Cordel. Available from Tin Tin Collectables
Art Deco vase made by famous Scottish Glass House Monart. Available from Robinson Antiques
Silver Scottish Thistle charm with coloured stone, 1960s. Available from Good Time Antiques
Romanticism was a social shift away from the aristocratic, social, and political ideas of the Enlightenment period, and instead stressed the importance of dreams, emotions and sentimentality as the inspiration for writers, artists and composers. The early Victorian period is referred to as the Romantic period and was marked by Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. During this time lockets became popular and they could contain photographs as well as hair from a loved one. Even Queen Victoria herself gave gifts of jewellery made from her hair. Human hair was also woven into elaborate designs and patterns used on pins, brooches, and bracelets. The lockets themselves were usually worn underneath clothing to protect the special token inside and to prevent any gossip surfacing. The romantic ideal of the locket are exemplified in these:
In 1848, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle in the Caledonian woodlands of Scotland and Celtic motifs began to influence English arts and crafts. By the end of the Romantic period, "Scottish pebble jewellery" had become very popular, these were brooches and pendants containing polished agate gemstones. Alfies has some lovely examples:
The Romantic period in painting emphasised lush landscapes and the sentimentality it could harbour. These traits are finely expressed in these paintings from Peran Dachinger's Fine Art:
Romantic landscape
Greek temple
And on the continent, plump cherubs adorned items as a romantic ideal, such as these gorgeous Dresden comports and mirrors from Gloria Sinclair.
