Field Visit
A set of twenty 'shadow-carved' granite portrait tablets of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' Principals and Deans, is arranged in a long frieze-like row along a wall in the foyer. The tablets resemble black and white photographs, and are presumably based on photographs. The series starts on the left with the School's founder William Dick, and ends with the present Dean Professor Elaine Watson (the only female). Most of the portraits show the sitters full-face, but with the shoulders slightly turned. Of those shown in three-quarters view, most face towards the viewer's right, with a few facing left.
The set of tablets was a gift from an anonymous donor in 2005. The tablets were 'shadow-carved' by hand by Lv Ting Yan and Wang Shi Peng in Lin Ting Fang's workshop in the ancient walled city of Chong Wu, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
They are currently displayed in the foyer of the School at Summerhall, and will eventually be moved to the proposed teaching building at Easter Bush.
From left to right the portraits are of: (1) William Dick, Principal (1823-1866); (2) James H. B. Hallen, Principal (1866-1867); (3) William Williams, Principal (1867-1873); (4) Thomas Walley, Principal (1874-1894); (5) John R. U. Dewar, Principal (1895-1911); (6) O.Charnock Bradley, Principal (1911-1937); (7) Robert G. Linton, acting Principal (1938-1939); (8) Sir Arthur Olver, Principal (1939-1945); (9) Donald C. Matheson, acting Principal (1946); (10) William M. Mitchell, Principal (1947-1951) and Director of Vet Education (1951-1958); (11) Alexander Robertson, Director (1958-1964) and Dean (1964-1970); (12) Frank Alexander, Dean (1970-1974); (13) Ainsley Iggo, Dean (1974-1977) and (1985-1990); (14) Ian Beattie, Dean (1977-1980); (15) Keith M. Dyce, Dean (1980-1984); (16) James T. Baxter, Dean (1984-1985); (17) Richard Halliwell, Dean (1990-1994) and (2001-2002; (18) Morley M. H. Sewell, Dean (1994-1997); (19) Hugh R. P. Miller, Dean (1997-2001) and (2002-2003); (20) Elaine Watson, Head of School (2003- ).
Inscriptions : None
Signatures : None Visible
Year of unveiling : 2005
Information from Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA Work Ref : EDIN1541)
