Aberdeen Angus Bull: Rosemead Jeronny (British Champion Animals Collection)

The Stovolds are one of Surrey’s oldest farming families with records dating back to 1367. The Rosemead Herd of Aberdeen Angus Cattle was established in 1936 by Percy Stovold, who recognized the Aberdeen Angus’ potential on Surrey’s light soils. The herd he originally purchased in Perth, Scotland, was hidden from his somewhat sceptical father for two years, in what is now the Refectory Restaurant, Milford, Surrey. His father was duly amazed when the new herd appeared on a tour of English shows, including the Royal, in 1938, winning many of them. So Rosemead Jeronny had quite a pedigree to live up to, but he did not disappoint.

As I pulled into the yard, Tom Beadle, Angus’ Stockman was washing Jeronny down, ready to be measured and photographed. Rosemead Jeronny was absolutely magnificent! 1.4 tons of gleaming black muscle. I introduced myself to Tom and Angus, who had just pulled up. As I took my reference shots and measurement, I was amazed to hear that Jeronny is so good-natured that as he lay resting, after his win at the Royal Show, he allowed young children to climb all over him without protest. Watching Jeronny walk about the yard, I was struck by just how deep and broad he was and, like Galawater Bold King, his beautiful head – very different in character, but equally striking. After an evening, visiting friends in London, I drove home and began work on the sculpture.

Working long hours, fuelled by copious coffee and enthusiasm for my subject, the clay was completed in just over a month.

Once again, the patina of choice for the finished bronze was rich, deep, glossy black – a classic patina that really shows Jeronny at his best.

I am proud to say that a cast of my sculpture of Rosemead Jeronny is included in the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society’s own art collection.