Have YOU ever heard of Sir John Steell?

Very few people have, and yet it is highly likely that you will be familiar with one - or some - of his sculptures or bronze statues. This eminent, Victorian was born in Aberdeen and during his illustrious career, created many statues of Robert Burns, and became Sculptor in Ordinary (for Scotland) to Her Majesty the Queen, in the 1840s.

Most importantly, he paved the way for Scottish artists and sculptors to establish successful careers without leaving Scotland.

My first encounter with his work, was his impressive bronze statue of Robert Burns, in Central Park, New York, which whetted my appetite for some research!

Thanks to Prestwick History Group for inviting me to speak.