How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

The Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759–1796) became a Freemason in 1781 in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, and wrote a number of Masonic poems. Traditionally, it has been believed that he was made Poet Laureate of Canongate Kilwinning Lodge, Edinburgh in 1787, although this has been questioned. In this portrait he is wearing the collar of a master, or ruler, of a lodge and two badges for the Masonic order of the Knights Templar. The text at the bottom of the portrait may have been added at a later date, and the letters make reference to his Masonic membership.

Museum of Freemasonry

London

Title

Brother Robert Burns (1759–1796)

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 68 x W 55 cm

Accession number

PCF2010.70

Acquisition method

presented by Worshipful Brother Wallace E. Heaton to the United Grand Lodge of England, 1950

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

None

Read less

Museum of Freemasonry

Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, Greater London WC2B 5AZ England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

View venue

Artist or maker

unknown artist

View profile

Pickford Narrow Boat 'Hope' at a Lock The Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne
Cottage, Bridge and Church by a Lake with Yachts and Mountains Beyond The Canal Museum Stoke Bruerne
Reverend John Trist (1718–1781), MA, Vicar of Veryan Totnes Elizabethan House Museum
Portrait of a Gentleman Devon Heritage Centre
The Wreck of the 'Patria', with the 'Emma Maria', 26 October 1903 Portland Museum
Corbel with Bearded Face English Heritage, Wrest Park Store
Robed Male Figure* English Heritage, Rievaulx Abbey
34,610 more