'The Burning of the Clavie at Burghead', watercolour.
The famous Burning of the Clavie at Burghead on the Moray Firth coast of northern Scotland. The ceremony, which takes place on 11 January each year (unless that date is a Sunday, in which case it is on the 10th) and is a unique New Year celebration. In around 1750 the UK adopted a new calendar which cut 11 days from the calendar. Therefore, the old New Year's Day fell on 12 January of the new calendar. The Burning of the Clavie is therefore the celebration of the old New Year's eve on 11 January. The clavie is a barrel full of staves coated in tar which is set alight and carried around the town by the 'Clavie Crew' - native men of Burghead - to cries of 'Hip Hip! These men are recognisable from their leather hats and jackets which provide protection from the heat. Burning staves are dispensed for good luck at various properties on the way before the clavie is finally ensconced here on the Doorie Hill, next to the ancient Pictish fort of Burghead. More fuel is poured on the clavie from the bucket until it is consumed by fire, usually setting light to the hillside as well! Afterwards, it is good luck to collect a piece of the clavie. The painting includes all these elements in this climactic final scene!
The original painting sold prior to publication.
Prints are available in four sizes:
Mini: Image 14.5 x 9.5 cm, £5 unmounted or £8 mounted to fit a 8 x 6"" off-the-shelf frame.
Small: Image 24 x 16cm, £17 unmounted or £20 mounted to fit a 14 x 11" off-the-shelf frame.
Medium: Image 37 x 25 cm, £24 unmounted or £30 mounted to fit a 20 x 16" frame.
Large: Image approx 55 x 35 cm - £32 unmounted or £45 mounted to fit a 70 x 50 cm frame.
Framing Options:
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Mini: £17 framed; small: £38 framed; medium £56 framed and large, £87 framed.