Historic Busking

Tam Daw's Horn

If ever out walking the streets or passing a park and overhear some fine music coming your way it might be worth stopping to take a look. As many will know, street performance is not a comparatively new concept and its history is really quite vast and colourful. One of our favourite examples of this comes from our own collection.

Thomas Christie of Kinross lived in Mill Street in Perth during the 19^th century. Better known as Tam Daw to his friends and passers by he used to play on the streets of Kinross for the locals. In particular he would often spend time playing during market days or for the homecoming of newly married couples.

Tam Daw’s instrument of choice however was not the increasingly more common drum kit that springs up in all areas of Scotland, but instead was a horn. This rather elaborate looking instrument made Tam Daw popular amongst the locals not least for his theatrical personality. This is well noted in the words painted on the horn’s side:

“Notice: Any lady or gentleman. Pleased to give the horn player a piece of money it will be thankfully received T. Christie Bellman Kinross 1867.”

A rather lovely and well written message to pass on to the locals. Perhaps one that might just crop up again in the future of busking.