Magic Lantern Slide with Engraving of the Bedroom in Burns House, Dumfries

"Interior of Room in which Burns died 1877", a black and white transfer printed image of the open door leading to the bedroom.   Robert Burns and his growing family moved into this well appointed two storey house in Mill Street, Dumfries in 1793. Burns was at the height of his literary powers but his time was also occupied with his career in the Excise and with the many and varied social connections he had formed in the lively atmosphere of the town.   He was only to live here a further three years. During 1796 his health began to fail and his doctor prescribed sea bathing as a cure. His salary was reduced as he was unable to carry out his Excise duties and in his weakened state he became obsessed with the fear of dying in poverty.   On the morning of Thursday 21 July he became delirious. His children were brought to see him for a last time and shortly after he lapsed into unconsciousness and died. He was 37 years old. The bedroom in which he died became a place of pilgrimage and hence, the subject of this magic lantern slide.