Greyfriars Bobby

Original price was: £975.00.Current price is: £675.00.

An original watercolour painting of the drinking fountain topped with the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. It was commissioned by the English philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts who was charmed by the moving story.

I’ve owned several German Shepherd dogs and know first hand the dedication and faithfulness of dogs towards their owners. I too was touched by the story of Greyfriars Bobby and felt compelled to pay my own tribute.

Using a limited palette, I deliberately kept the background ethereal and almost dreamlike so that the attention is very much on Greyfriars Bobby.

A painting which is very different from the rest of my paintings of Edinburgh.

Price unframed.

Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby - Detail

1 in stock

Dimensions 25 × 35 cm
More Information

Skye Terrier

Greyfriars Bobby is a touching story of a Skye Terrier living in 19th century Edinburgh. When the dog’s owner died in 1858, he spent the next 14 years guarding his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. He became a much loved local symbol of loyalty and inspired books and films and also inspired me to paint his own statue and memorial stone near the cemetery entrance in Edinburgh’s city centre.
Bobby was a small Skye Terrier that belonged to John Gray, a night watchman for the Edinburgh City Police. They were inseparable companions, with Bobby often accompanying John on his rounds. John Gray passed away from tuberculosis in February 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Devotion

Greyfriars Bobby refused to leave his master’s side, staying by his grave day and after day, year after year, even after the cemetery caretaker tried to remove him. Bobby’s devotion became famous; locals brought him food and water, and he became a well-known sight, especially as he’d leave for a midday meal at a nearby eatery before returning to the grave. 

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