From today until the centenary of Armistice Day this Sunday RBGE is hosting a soldier silhouette. The 7ft tall sculpture has been placed in RBGE’s pre-existing poppy field. “Jock” as he is affectionately known as is a silhouette sculpture of a WW1 Black Watch soldier with his small dog accompanying him home from war. The sculpture was created by artist Dan Metcalfe inspired by an image from illustrator Jeanne Mundy.
Located in RBGE’s memorial to WW1 Jock and his dog are surrounded by poppies and standing in front of the glass houses making the pair an impressive sight. RBGE has already been commemorating the First World War through blogs by archivist Leonie Paterson about the lives of those who worked here before serving in WW1, and was delighted to be able to host the sculpture for the last few days leading up to the 11th of November.
The soldier arrived at RBGE thanks to BRAVEHOUND charity which helps treat veterans living with PTSD by giving them companion dogs. The Founder and CEO of BRAVEHOUND Fiona MacDonald said in a statement, “Poet Wilfred Owen spent time at Craiglockhart in 1917 suffering from Shell Shock, we honour his memory and of all those whose lives were lost or minds shattered forever by their experiences 100 years ago, by supporting veterans of today. Our BRAVEHOUND dogs provide 24 hour companionship and support to veterans with mental health conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We are delighted that our Black Watch soldier will be installed at Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens for the Centenary of the Armistice."