To commemorate the 2025 Tall Ships Race visit to Aberdeen, the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Bon Accord commissioned local artist, Ian Smart, to paint a concrete replica of the City’s Kelly’s Cats.
‘Contented Cat’ portrays the Aberdeen built clipper Thermopylae, which embodies the spirit of the Tall Ships Race, as well as our city’s world renowned ship building industry.
Built in 1868, the Thermopylae was renowned for its speed and success in the China tea and Australian wool trades. She was one of the fastest clippers of her time, famously racing against the Cutty Sark, and is remembered for her beauty and impressive voyages.
'Kelly's Cats' are, in fact, the leopards used in the city coat of arms and were once ranged along the two parapets of Union Bridge. The name 'Kelly's Cats' is actually a misnomer, as only the bronze panels which are placed on the bridge were designed by Aberdeen architect William Kelly and installed in 1908. The cast iron leopard finials were actually designed by Sidney Boyes, who taught at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen. The parapets were added when the bridge was first widened (1905-08). The cats were cast by William Wilson and erected on the bridge in 1910.
The intention is to raise funds for Rotary’s International Shelterbox Charity by selling the 15 inch tall statue by auction.
Contented Cat will be on display in the Maritime Museum window on Ship Row until the 22nd of July.
If you would like to submit a commission bid for this exquisite piece of art, please email your bid and contact details to catparade@btinternet.com
The reserve price is £1,000. The successful bidder will be responsible for any shipping costs outside the UK.
