Historical information

This is Australia’s first monument to the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns and his dog. It was carved from marble in Italy by sculptor John Udny and is inscribed with quotes from the writer himself and features beautiful patterned tiles at its base. This sculpture tells us much of Ballarat’s Scottish history by placing their most revered poet and ballardier of Auld Lang Syne at the corner of Lydiard and Sturt Streets. The local design was carried out by artist John Undy in Carrara marble and placed with this scene. The proud figure of Burns faces west and is accompanied by his collie dog with a book purposely hanging in his hand and a pencil in the other as his constant companions. Burns is mounted on a plinth engraved with some beautiful Burn’s poetry and surrounded by art deco styled tiling and a cast iron palisade.

Significance

The statue is of aesthetic and historical significance to the people of Ballarat

Physical description

Carved marble statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns and his dog

Inscriptions & markings

Includes panels with poems and writings by Robert Burns.
Plaque reads - Designed by Thomas Thompson Ballarat Sculptured by John Undy, Carrara, Italy.