The book is the History of the Netherlands and dates from 1652. I am particularly pleased with how the colours of the leather and the Asbach Uralt in the crystal glass and the Decanter, matches with the frame.

The contents of the Letters from Vincent van Gogh to his brother Theo, are a major inspiration. To commemorate their re-publication in 2009, by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, I decided to paint their original publication from 1914.

Silver clasps keep these Small Bibles closed, the watch no longer keeps time, and the candle has burnt up: exactly opposite as in my life.

Single Malt, and books by famous Scottish Poets: Burns and Scott and Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd.

I don't suppose there are many Scots who do not know that Robert Burns wrote a poem called Red Red Rose. Well, the book in this painting contains the poem, and the glass holds the spirit which the Bard was fond of.