This dynamic bronze sculpture, titled The Sheep Dog, by renowned animal sculptor Phyllis Bone (1894-1972), is in the form of a crouching sheepdog, captured mid-pounce, with its mouth open and ears pricked, likely in pursuit. The sloped form of the bronze plinth on which the dog has been placed adds a sense of dynamism, reinforcing the forward thrust of the dog’s pose and giving the impression of momentum. The taut musculature and low stance convey tension and alertness, suggesting a moment of action frozen in time. This sculpture is part of a series of bronze animal statuettes by Bone, many of which were exhibited in Britain and Paris and are now held in numerous public and private collections.

Phyllis Bone, 1894-1972

Born in Hornby, Lancashire, Bone grew up in Edinburgh and studied at Edinburgh College of Art 1912-1918. After the war, she spent 18 months in Paris studying under Edouard Navellier, and went on to become a leading sculptor of animals. Forging a productive professional relationship with Robert Lorimer, she was commissioned by him to create the lion and unicorn at the entrance to the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle. Other important public works included animals for the Ashworth Laboratories at Edinburgh University (1928-9) and reliefs for St Andrew’s House (1936-39). Smaller works in bronze were exhibited regularly. In 1944, she became the first woman to be elected to full membership of the RSA.