A one-off cast of the face of Robert Burns, based on the famous portrait of the poet by Alexander Nasmyth, is up for auction ahead of Burns Night.
The cast was used to create a bronze plaque for a new shelter in a park in a town near Edinburgh.
Experts at 1818 Auctioneers, on the Cumbria Lancashire border, estimate it to be worth between £7,000 to £10,000.
It is being sold by the granddaughter of the artist, stone mason and painter who carved it, Robert Callum Shields.
A pillar of the community, Robert worked for the local council and lived in Bellshill near Glasgow. He died in 1966.
Linda Briscoe, who now lives near Morecambe, says the Burn’s plaque was unveiled in Prestonpans in January 1959 to commemorate the bicentenary of the birth of the renowned Scottish poet.
“For a long time, it hung on the wall of the large house where my grandparents lived. As is the Scottish tradition, my family moved into the house when Robert died to look after Mary, his widow. When my mother died, I left the house and moved to a much smaller property.
“I’ve known the portrait from being a very small child. It’s now time for the cast to be appreciated by someone else. I would love to think it’s new owner will be raising a dram to it, to toast the great poet, Robbie Burns on January 25.”
The plaque is being auctioned as part of 1818 Auctioneers live, online sale of antiques vintage and collectibles which closes on Sunday January 23.
