Description

Thomas J Clapperton, 1932. Bronze bust of Sir Walter Scott on light grey granite plinth with inset bronze panel depicting a bard and relief carving: 'O Great and Gallant Scott'. Surrounding semi-circular squared whin wall with light grey granite coping; relief-carved lettering 'The last of all the bards was he, who sung of border chivalry'. Former stone bench to base of wall, now adapted to hold flowers.

Statement of Interest

This bust is a notable element of the collection of monuments in Cornmill Square, the principal formal space in Galashiels. This includes the bust of Robert Burns, the Equestrian Statue of a Border Reiver and the Memorial, Clock Tower and Fountain, all by Robert Lorimer (all listed separately).

The bust, commissioned for the centenary of Scott's death commemorates his close involvement with Galashiels. The inscription is adapted from two lines in the introduction to The Lay of the Last Minstrel.

Thomas Clapperton (1879-1962) was a native of Galashiels, who studied in Glasgow and London, before setting up a studio in London. He was a prominent and prolific sculptor who produced memorials throughout Britain and abroad.

Category changed from B to C(S) 2006.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56633764

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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