Having had an article published in THE HISTORIAN MAGAZINE in 2021 about this modest 19th century Scottish sculptor who created several world renown statues of Robert Burns, I was delighted to be asked to talk about him, in October 2023.

During his long, productive, and successful life, he was first to remain in the Scottish capital whilst maintaining a global reputation. Queen Victoria created a title for him - Sculptor in Ordinary to the Queen - and knighted him in 1876.

In 1883, a plaster copy of the bust of Burns created for POETS’ CORNER in Westminster Abbey, was gifted to Burns Cottage, by John Keppie. Great to have him with me ‘in the room’ while I talked!