View of the gravestone of a barber, 1777.

Description View of the gravestone of a barber, 1777.

Date c. 1980

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number SC 789874

Category On-line Digital Images

Scope and Content Gravestone of Andrew Bisset, Greyfriars Burial Ground, Canal Street, Perth, Perth & Kinross This gravestone features a winged soul (symbolising the spirit ascending to Heaven after death), and a central shield carved with the tools of the trade of a barber. These include two cut-throat razors (the V-shaped objects on the left of the shield), a wig stand (carved with a face), and two combs. A ribbon below the shield is carved with the phrase 'MEMENTO MORI' (remember you must die). At the base of the stone are carved an hourglass, skull and crossed bones, emblems of death. Barbers also served as surgeons in many rural communities, carrying out blood-letting, or bleeding, which was supposed to help treat many illnesses. Barbers in the 18th century made most of their money from the making and selling of periwigs, which were enormously fashionable. These were made of human hair and would be powdered to appear white. This gravestone commemorates Andrew Bisset, who died in 1777. It is inscribed: 'Erected/by Elizabeth Grimman in/memory of Alexander Bisset/barber & wig-maker in/Perth who died 9th October/1777 aged 45 years'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference BWA/77/S

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/789874

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap