A War Bird's Burlesque (Letters and Memorabilia Belonging to James McBey)
AssociatedAssociated with
James McBey
(Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)
AssociatedAssociated with
Anna Lee Smyth
Date1929
Object NameSong
Mediumpaper and pencil
ClassificationsMcBey
Dimensions17.7 x 13.4cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1988 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.
Copyright© Aberdeen City Council (McBey Collection)
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG008357.42
Keywords
"A portly Roman Senator was sipping his Rock and Rye. When a classic Vestal Virgin caught his educated eye."
The song has nine verses which detail a young officer slipping into the "Vestal Virgin's" bed while the "Senator" is away, but finally the "Senator" forgives her.
The verse is handwritten one side of a sheet of folded paper, which has "Anna Lee Smyth" written in pencil on the reverse.
This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this letter.
