Souvenir wool ball holder, with view of Burns Mausloeum

This wool ball holder is decorated with an oval black and white photograph of Burns Mausoleum.   Throughout the 19th century the cult of Burns rose to huge proportions.  Images derived from his life and work, and of the poet himself were frequently used in domestic ornamentation and were to be found in most Scottish homes.  W and A Smith of Mauchline, Ayrshire developed the manufacture of transfer printed treen, or wooden ware which became highly popular as gifts and souvenirs.