National Galleries of Scotland Commons

Hi, this photo has been mentioned in a discussion thread in the Flickr Commonsgroup, and we'd love to have this added to the group pool! -- Seen in a discussion of Flickr Commons. (?)

Cute almost shaggy like a sheepdog. Love the photo.

awesome!

I'd like to know the story behind this picture--why does this sheep have a name, and why was a photograph of him commissioned? Is he particularly eminent or distinguished in some way?

OK, just found the link above: " Shown here is the most common variety of sheep in the Scottish Borders and Highlands - the Scottish Blackface. Their wool is highly prized for its hardwearing qualities and the Blackface horns add a distinctive look to walking sticks and shepherds' crooks. Photographs of livestock were not uncommon during the turn of the century, as landowners took pride in their husbandry. The side view gives us a clear idea of the physical qualities of the breed: the long thick fleece, the curvy horns, the black face and the magnificent posture. "

Wonderful to see these stereographs! (Works really well at about arm's length from my screen.)

John Brown was the servant who became close to Queen Victoria after the death of Prince Albert. Their relationship was the subject of the 1997 movie "Mrs. Brown," starring Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. "Much gossip attached to the unlikely relationship and much animosity generated by those who resented the trust placed in the 'low-born' Brown by the Queen. The Queen refused to desert Brown because of the scandalous talk - which she dismissed as 'ill-natured gossip' " From the Royal Deeside website: John Brown, Faithful Servant to Queen Victoria --

Hi, this photo has been mentioned in a discussion thread in the Flickr Commonsgroup, and we'd love to have this added to the group pool! -- Seen in a discussion of Flickr Commons. (?)

Wow, i'd never seen a photo of John Brown before, only heard the story.

He looks as though his glare could melt the film, as if the photographer is intruding. Which I guess would fit the story as we know it.

To see these two! It is totally a smashing photograph!