Portrait of a Poet: Henry Raeburn’s Lost Painting

Discover the story of Henry Raeburn’s lost portrait of Robert Burns.

Commissioned in 1803 by publishers Cadell & Davies, Raeburn’s work was based on Alexander Nasmyth’s 1787 portrait. In Raeburn’s interpretation, his expressive brushstrokes, atmospheric light and warm colour palette created a more romantic portrait than Nasmyth’s smaller original.

See this special painting alongside letters, prints and objects as the Trust continue to tell the story of one of Scotland’s most celebrated writers.

Alongside the generous loan from the collection of William Zachs, Blackie House Library and Museum, the Trust are grateful to the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA for their support with the exhibition.

The exhibition runs from 21 July 2026 until 1 November 2026.