Digital Victorian Periodical Poetry

Working-class poet, writing in Scots, and stained-glass artist. Born in 1807 or 1808 to a working-class family in West Port, Edinburgh. Surname sometimes given as “Ballantyne.” Largely self taught. His poetry was heavily influenced by Robert Burns. Began as a house painter in Edinburgh, and was a student of draughtsmanship at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh. In 1837 started his own stained glass company in Edinburgh. Worked on stained glass windows for the House of Lords as well as many church commissions in Edinburgh (e.g. Grey Friars, St. Giles) and Glasgow (Ibrox parish church). Supported the building of the Scott monument. Author of A Treatise on Painted Glass (1845), The Gaberlunzie’s Wallet (1843), The Miller of Deanhaugh, Lilias Lee (1871), and Life of David Roberts, R. A. (1866). Biographical information: ODNB. (AC)