Burns’ flute played for first time in 150 years
A FLUTE belonging to the family of Robert Burns has been restored and played for the first time in over 150 years.
The rare four-keyed German flute was owned by Burns’s son, James Glencairn Burns, a talented musician.
It has been on display at Ellisland Museum and Farm near Dumfries since the 1930s but had fallen into disrepair and was previously unplayable.
Now, thanks to a grant from the Pilgrim Trust and the Association of Independent Museums, the Robert Burns Ellisland Trust has restored and repaired the instrument, which is made of boxwood.
The meticulous restoration took two years and was carried out by conservator Lydia Messerschmidt, with specialist repair work undertaken by early flute expert Robert Biglio.
The delicate instrument then required several weeks of careful acclimatisation before it could be safely played.
And it was finally played this week for the first time in over a century at a private recital at Blackie House Library in Edinburgh, held to highlight the campaign to save Ellisland Farm.
Playing at the recital with Claire were vocalist Robyn Stapleton, and harpist Wendy Stewart, performing pieces written at the farm and including Auld Lang Syne, Ye Banks and Braes, and John Anderson, My Jo.
Ellisland curator Adam Dickson pointed out the poet wrote in letters that he was learning to play the flute and that many of the early arrangements of his songs are for the flute or clarinet.
Adam thanked all who made it possible, adding: “Our collection now includes a working instrument that helps convey the rich intangible cultural heritage that makes Ellisland so special, the music written here.”
Joan McAlpine, director of the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne, campaign, added: “Hearing it played for the first time in centuries was truly spine-tingling, the tone is remarkably beautiful after all this time.
“The trust plans to hold a special performance soon for members and supporters, as well as public fundraising events to support the campaign.”
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