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All the United Kingdom Scotland Aberdeen Russell Head
AO Edited

Russell Head

This effigy was crafted to annoy a neighbor after a civil dispute over a foul smell.

Aberdeen, Scotland

Added By
SEANETTA ALLSASS
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Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Russell Head   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

To deal with a troublesome neighbor, George Russell (1810 -1899) of Aberdeen selected a rather unusual and novel approach.

Russell opted for a metal likeness of his face, with the mouth in a fixed scream that was mounted on the corner of his business. Russell ran a bakery on the now non-existent Ragg's Lane, which was located near a sewer. Believing that his neighbor complained about odors coming from the bakery area, Russell took it upon himself to install this hideous effigy so his neighbor would be forced to look at this grimacing visage.

Russell's bakery was shut down, and nearly a century later in 1959, the grotesque was relocated to the southeast corner of the Provost Skene’s House. This building is the oldest surviving townhouse in Granite City, dating from the mid-16th century. It has gone through many alterations and now houses a museum. In 2019, the structure underwent a major refurbishment.

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History & Culture Sculptures Effigies

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Provost Skene’s House is open 7-days-a-week. Admission is free and no advance booking is required.

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Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

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Added By

SEANETTA

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linkogecko

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Published

August 29, 2022

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Russell Head
Marischal Square
Marischal Square
Aberdeen, Scotland
United Kingdom
57.148573, -2.097848
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Scotland

Places 3

Nearby Places

Kelly's Cats

Aberdeen, Scotland

miles away

Brig o’ Balgownie

Aberdeen, Scotland

miles away

Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony

Stonehaven, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Scotland

Places 3

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