THE BORDER COLLIE SERIES

By Holly Bennett

The first two in a series of cold cast bronze border collie sculptures depicting the working sheepdog or Border Collie.

About the Border Collie and the McHardy Originals Sculpture Series

These sculptures have been specially commissioned by McHardyArt and created through the collaboration of a recognised expert in their field (Harford Logan), working with a carefully chosen and highly skilled artist – Holly Bennett. Over a series of months the artist works in partnership with their “mentor” to understand the science behind the work or sport in question. A series of preliminary models or “maquettes” are made and over time perfected through an ongoing programme of dialogue between the two professionals. Only the very best of these maquettes are then cast and a strictly limited number made available to a discerning audience.

The name “Border Collie” was first used in the early 1900s in the border area of England and Scotland to define a type of working dog being bred for its intelligence and instinct in managing stock. Today it is relied upon by shepherds the world over to help farm terrain which would otherwise be unproductive. The working skills of the Border Collie are tested in sheepdog trials, whilst its speed and enthusiasm to please its handler have rewarded many in other sports such as Agility, Obedience and Fly Ball championships.

Every handler wants a stylish Border Collie, one with the temperament and ‘power’ of a champion. The low head and tail carriage of Perfect Style and Perfect Pace are a mark of the dog’s confidence and strength of character. This is a dog that will be gently persuasive with weak or ‘light’ sheep but which will, without undue fuss, stand steady and command the respect of those that initially challenge its authority. Fitness, speed and agility create a streamlined profile. A close handler and dog relationship is evident in the dog’s rapt expression – listening and responding to its handler, as only this most exceptional and intelligent of breeds can continue to do, at great distances.

How to order The Border Collie Series sculptures…

Holly Bennett was awarded a BA(Hons) in Fine Art Sculpture at Wimbledon College of Art and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sculpture from the City and Guilds of London Art School. Holly's work is widely collected and is represented in many private collections across the UK. Always based around human and animal creatures, her sculptures are full of expression and movement, main influences coming from her observations of life around her – her animals, the countryside, and the way people move and interact with each other.

Harford Logan, from County Down in Northern Ireland, has been winning and judging sheepdog trials for over fifty years. He has been the Irish National Champion on six occasions, Scottish champion once – then gone on to represent Ireland more than twenty times at International level, Scotland on three occasions. Harford has helped many North American handlers source champion Border Collies over the years and has taken dog training clinics and judged sheepdog trials from Texas to Saskatoon.