Thomas Smythe

Dogs in a stable interior

Richard Barrett Davis (1782-1854) Mr Ward on Quicksilver Oil on canvas Canvas Size - 25 x 30 in Provenance with Ackermann & Son, London; where purchased by the present owner. Born...

John Emms (1841-1912) "Ruff", a collie Oil on canvas Signed and dated '95 lower right Inscribed 'Ruff' lower centre Canvas Size - 15 x 18 in Framed Size - 20 1/2 x 23 1/2 in Provenance The Collection of Charlie Watts. Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare. John Emms was a British artist best known for his dynamic and characterful paintings of dogs, especially working breeds like foxhounds, terriers, and collies. Born in Blofield, Norfolk, in 1843, Emms developed a deep connection to the countryside and rural life, which became the heart of his artistic inspiration. While he painted horses and hunting scenes, it was his dog portraits that brought him enduring recognition. Emms had a remarkable ability to capture the individuality and spirit of each animal, portraying them not just as pets or working animals, but as noble and expressive beings. His brushwork was confident and lively, and he often painted dogs with a sense of pride, intelligence, and dignity. Among the many breeds he painted, collies held a special place. Emms portrayed them with great sensitivity, often emphasizing their alert expressions, soft coats, and loyal nature. His collie paintings...

Late 19th/early 20th century oil on canvas painting in the manner of Abraham Hulk the Younger (1851-1922), this painting was acquired by Saltire Gallerie with a larger painting signed by Hulk the Younger, (just SOLD). Presented in a period decorative gilt frame, the painting is of a cottage in a woodland with cattle by a pond, a little black dog and man and a woman standing by. In the distance is a glimpse of a river and grasses, framed by trees and an overcast sky. Hulk is renowned for his treatment of the changing season from summer to autumn, and the golden leaves and fading greens in this painting suggest this changing time of year. Hulk is the son of a well known Dutch maritime...

Charles Jones British, (1836-1892) Sheep Resting Oil on canvas, signed with monogram & dated 1877, further inscribed verso Image size: 35 inches x 59 inches Size including frame: 47 inches x 71 inches Exhibition Size Painting A fantastic exhibition sized landscape painting of sheep on a cliff top by the coast by Charles ‘Sheep’ Jones. At the time he produced this painting, Jones was living at Heathercroft, Balham Hill in London. Given the size and quality of the work it was most likely an exhibition piece. The topography and landscape suggest that this is the Dorset coast, one of his favourite places to paint. Charles Jones was an animal painter who was born in Stepney, London in 1836. He was the son of the artist Samuel John Egbert Jones (1797-1861) and Dinah Jones. He lived with his parents and 9 siblings in Mile End and was a pupil of his father. In September 1859, he married Frances Rosalinda Downe, who was born in America. His son Arthur Bertram Loud (1863-1930) also became an artist. They lived at 12 Hayes Place, Lisson Grove from where he made his debut in London at the Royal Academy in 1861. He also exhibited at the British Institution, Suffolk Street, New Watercolour Society, Royal Institute of Oil Painters and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. By 1867, he had become a successful artist and they had moved to 7 Paragon Place, Brixton Hill. From 1874 he lived at Heathercroft, Balham Hill where he spent the rest of his life. Jones became well known for specialising in paintings of sheep, cattle and deer in landscape settings. He spent his time travelling around visiting areas such as Devon, Dorset, Kent, Sussex and the Highlands. However, it is for his skilful painting of sheep that he is perhaps best known, and for which earned him the nickname of ‘Sheep’ Jones. As well as the major London galleries, he also exhibited provincially at various locations including: the Royal Cambrian Academy where he was elected a member in 1886, the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts, Manchester City Art Gallery, Royal Hibernian Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, Birmingham and the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool. Some of the smaller more intimate galleries he exhibited at were Arthur Tooth & Sons and Thomas...