Burns Mausoleum, Dumfries with a wreath preserved in ice

A monochrome photographic print of Burns Mausoleum, Dumfries with a wreath of fresh foliage encased in a block of ice.   Robert Burns was originally buried in St Michael's Churchyard, Dumfries, in a simple grave, marked only by a plain stone slab. His admirers came to believe that this was an insufficient memorial to the poet. In 1813 his friend, John Syme formed a committee and launched an appeal to build a mausoleum in his memory. One of the subscribers was the Prince Regent, later George IV. The mausoleum was completed in September 1817.   The ceremony of laying of wreaths at the mausoleum was observed throughout the 19th century and formed  part of the celebrations of the first and second centenaries of his birth and death. It is still an important element of the rituals of Burns' birthday today and many distinguished visitors to the town place wreaths on his grave as part of the programme of their visit.   Local newspaper reports make reference to wreaths preserved in blocks of ice containing fresh flowers and foliage from Australia and North America being sent by Burns Clubs from overseas.   The alternative image here is a copy of a poster advertising the arrival of a wreath from Australia. It is from "The Definitive Illustrated Companion to Robert Burns", Vol. 2, edited by Peter J. Westwood.